Etymology Dictionary
Learn the Etymology of English Words
Welcome to WikiEtymology, your destination to explore the origin and etymology of English words. Our comprehensive etymology provides etymologies crafted by AI and reviewed by humans experts.
Let’s dive into the language history, tracing each word’s journey from its ancient roots to its modern form. While our etymologies provide valuable insights, we encourage visitors to use them in their own discretion, recognizing the dynamic nature of language evolution and the diversity of scholarly interpretations. Explore, learn, and discover the hidden stories behind the words we use every day at WikiEtymology.
Latest Etymologies
Discover the Etymology of Yellow
The etymology of the word “yellow” can be traced back to the Old English word “geolu,” which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “gelwaz.” It has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European base word “ghel,” meaning “to shine” or “gleam.” Over time, the word evolved through various ancient languages, including Old High German, Old Norse, and … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Repent
The etymology of the word ‘repent’ can be traced back to its root word in Latin, ‘repentare’, which means ‘to feel regret’. Over time, the word has evolved through various ancient languages, including Old French and Middle English, before settling into its current form in Modern English. The meaning of ‘repent’ has also undergone changes, … Read more
Etymology of Person
The word ‘Person’ has its origin in the Latin word ‘persona’, which referred to a theatrical mask worn by actors. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of an individual human being, with its meaning and usage undergoing changes through various ancient languages. The etymology of ‘Person’ provides insights into the historical and linguistic … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Liberty
The etymology of the word “liberty” can be traced back to the Latin word “libertas,” which means “freedom” or “the state of being free.” It has evolved through various ancient languages, including Old French, Old English, and Middle English, before becoming the modern English word we know today. The meaning of liberty has undergone changes … Read more
Explore the Etymology of Ennui
The word ‘ennui’ originated from the French language in the 18th century. It was derived from the Old French word ‘enui’, which meant ‘annoyance’ or ‘distaste’. The term was further influenced by the Latin word ‘inodiare’, meaning ‘to make loathsome’. Over time, ‘ennui’ evolved to signify a feeling of boredom, dissatisfaction, or weariness. Origin and … Read more
What is the Etymology of Xavier?
Origin and Etymology of Xavier in Chronological Order [Basque (11th century)] – The name Xavier originated from the Basque language in the 11th century. It is derived from the Basque word “etxaberri,” which means “new house.” This name was given to the Spanish missionary Saint Francis Xavier, who was born in the Castle of Xavier … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Mortgage
Origin and Etymology of Mortgage in Chronological Order [Latin (14th century)] The English word ‘mortgage’ can be traced back to the Latin term ‘mortuum vadium,’ which translates to ‘dead pledge.’ The term originated in the 14th century and referred to a legal arrangement where a borrower would offer their property as security for a loan. … Read more
Discover the Etymology of Knowledge
The etymology of the word “knowledge” can be traced back to the Old English word “cnawan,” which means “to know.” It has evolved through various ancient languages, including Latin and Greek, before reaching its current form in modern English. The word has undergone linguistic transformations and changes in meaning throughout history. Origin and Etymology of … Read more
Explore the Etymology of Holocaust
The etymology of the word “Holocaust” can be traced back to the Greek word “holokauston,” which means “a completely burnt sacrifice.” The term was later used in the context of the genocide of six million Jews during World War II, known as the Holocaust. Origin and Etymology of Holocaust in Chronological Order [Greek (200 BCE)] … Read more
What is the Etymology of Villain?
The word ‘villain’ originated from the Old French word ‘vilain’ which meant a peasant or a commoner. It evolved from the Latin word ‘villanus’ which referred to a farmhand or a servant. The term gradually acquired negative connotations and came to represent a wicked or evil person in modern English. Origin and Etymology of Villain … Read more