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 Weird

The word “weird” has its origin in the Old English language, where it was spelled as “wyrd.” It has evolved over time through various ancient languages, including Old High German, Old Norse, and Middle English, before settling into its current form in modern English. The meaning of “weird” has also undergone changes throughout history, reflecting … Read more

Learn the Etymology of Quarantine

The etymology of the word “quarantine” can be traced back to the Italian word “quarantena,” meaning “forty days.” It originated from the practice of isolating ships and individuals for a period of forty days during the Black Death pandemic in the 14th century. The word has since evolved and been adopted into various languages, with … 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

Explore the Etymology of Unique

Origin and Etymology of Unique in Chronological Order [Latin (c. 1600)] The English word ‘Unique’ has its roots in the Latin language, specifically from the word ‘unicus,’ which means ‘only, single, sole.’ The term ‘unique’ was first recorded in the English language around the early 17th century. [French (c. 1800)] In the 19th century, the … 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

Discover the Etymology of Virtue

Origin and Etymology of Virtue in Chronological Order [Latin (13th century)] The English word ‘Virtue’ originates from the Latin word ‘virtus’, which means ‘moral strength, excellence, or goodness’. It comes from the Latin root ‘vir’, meaning ‘man’ or ‘manliness’. In ancient Rome, ‘virtus’ was associated with qualities such as bravery, valor, and honor. [Greek (4th … Read more

Discover the Etymology of Sin

The word ‘sin’ originated from the Old English word ‘synn’, which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word ‘sunjō’. Its meaning has evolved over time, and it is now commonly used to refer to an immoral or wrongful act. The etymology of sin can be explored through different ancient languages, including Proto-Germanic, Old Norse, … Read more

Explore the Etymology of Quintessential

The word “quintessential” has its origin in Latin and has evolved through various ancient languages before becoming a part of modern English. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word “quintus,” meaning “fifth,” and the Latin word “essentia,” meaning “essence” or “being.” The term “quintessential” was first used in English during the 15th … 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

Discover the Etymology of February

The etymology of February can be traced back to the Latin word “februarius,” which is derived from “februa,” a Roman festival of purification. The name February itself signifies the month of purification. Origin and Etymology of February in Chronological Order [Latin (8th century BC)] The word February originated from the Latin word “februarius,” which was … Read more