Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

etymologist

noun
/ˌɛtɪˈmɒlədʒɪst/
Definition
A person who studies the origin of words and their historical development.
Examples
  • As an etymologist, she enjoyed uncovering the fascinating stories behind common words.
  • The etymologist presented her findings at the conference, detailing how many English words are derived from Latin and Greek.
  • His passion for languages led him to become an etymologist, researching words from various cultures.
Meaning
An etymologist is someone who investigates the history and evolution of words, tracing their roots and how their meanings have changed over time.
Synonyms
  • linguist
  • lexicographer
  • philologist