Etymology

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Etymology

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

et-ih-MOL-uh-jee  /ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒi/

Definition

The study of the origin and historical development of words; also, the account of the origin and evolution of a particular word.

Plain meaning

The story of where a word came from and how it arrived at its current meaning.

Register

Formal in academic use; enthusiastic and accessible in popular writing and conversation among word lovers.