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
Etymology of Xenophobic
The word “xenophobic” originated from the Greek word “xenos,” meaning “stranger” or “foreigner,” and the Greek word “phobos,” meaning “fear” or “phobia.” The term “xenophobic” was first used in English in the late 19th century to describe a fear or aversion towards foreigners or strangers. Its etymology traces back to ancient Greek and has evolved … Read more
Exploring Etymology of Wednesday
The etymology of Wednesday can be traced back to the Old English word “Wodnesdæg,” which means “day of Woden.” Woden, also known as Odin, was a Germanic god associated with wisdom, knowledge, and war. Wednesday is named after Woden to honor him in the Germanic and Norse mythologies. Origin and Etymology of Wednesday in Chronological … Read more
Discover the Etymology of Believe
Believe originates from the Old English word “belēfan,” which means “to have faith or confidence in.” It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word “ga-laubjan,” which means “to hold dear or trust.” The word “believe” has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European language and can be traced back to the word “leubh,” meaning “to care for” or “to … Read more
What is the Etymology of Vocabulary?
The etymology of vocabulary traces back to the Latin word “vocabularius,” which means “of or pertaining to words.” It evolved through various ancient languages, including Greek, French, and Old English, until it reached its current form in modern English. The word “vocabulary” refers to the collection or range of words known or used by an … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Vampire
Origin and Etymology of Vampire in Chronological Order [Greek (1734 BC)] The word ‘vampire’ finds its roots in the Greek language, specifically from the word ‘vampiros’. In Greek mythology, ‘vampiros’ referred to a monstrous creature that fed on the blood of the living. [Latin (11th Century AD)] In Latin, the word ‘vampiros’ transformed into ‘vampyrus’, … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Utopia
The etymology of the word “Utopia” traces back to the Greek language, specifically to the works of Thomas More in the early 16th century. It combines the Greek words “ou” meaning “not” and “topos” meaning “place” to create the concept of a non-existent ideal society. The term has since evolved and gained various meanings and … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Unicorn
The etymology of the word “unicorn” can be traced back to the Latin language, where it originated from the combination of two words: “uni” meaning “one” and “cornu” meaning “horn.” It has evolved through various ancient languages, including Greek and Old English, before arriving at its current form in modern English. The meaning and symbolism … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Republic
The etymology of the word “Republic” can be traced back to the Latin term “res publica,” which means “public affair” or “public matter.” It originated from the combination of the Latin words “res” meaning “thing” and “publica” meaning “public.” The term was used to describe a form of government in which power was held by … Read more
Explore the Etymology of Religion
The etymology of the word ‘religion’ can be traced back to the Latin word ‘religio’, which means ‘obligation’ or ‘bond’. It has evolved over time through various ancient languages, including Old French and Middle English, with changes in meaning and linguistic transformations. The word ‘religion’ in its current form is used to refer to a … Read more
Discover the Etymology of Race
The etymology of the word “race” can be traced back to the Latin word “radix,” meaning “root.” It evolved through various ancient languages, including Old Norse, Old French, and Middle English, before settling into its current form in modern English. The meaning of “race” has also undergone significant changes throughout history, reflecting the social and … Read more