Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

etymologies

noun
/ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒiz/
Definition
The study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history.
Examples
  • The etymologies of many English words trace back to Latin and Greek origins.
  • Understanding etymologies can enhance your vocabulary and comprehension of language.
  • In her paper, she explored the etymologies of common everyday words.
Meaning
Etymologies are explanations of the origins of words and the historical development of their meanings.
Synonyms
  • word origins
  • word history
  • linguistic roots