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
Etymology of Forgive
Origin and Etymology of Forgive in Chronological Order [Old English (before 900 AD)] The word “forgive” originated from the Old English word “forgiefan,” which meant “to give up” or “to grant.” In Old English, “forgiefan” was a combination of “for-” (completely) and “giefan” (to give). The concept of forgiveness in Old English was closely related … Read more
What is the Etymology of Nightmare?
The etymology of the word “nightmare” can be traced back to the Old English word “mare,” meaning a female evil spirit or demon. It has evolved over time through various ancient languages, including Middle English, Old High German, and Old Norse, before reaching its current form in modern English. The meaning of “nightmare” has also … Read more
Etymology of January
The etymology of January can be traced back to the Latin word “ianuarius,” which is derived from the Latin god Janus. Janus is the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, often depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions. January is named after Janus because it marks the beginning of the new year. Origin and … Read more
Discover the Etymology of Demon
The etymology of the word “demon” can be traced back to its root word in ancient Greek, ‘daimon’, meaning “divine power” or “spirit.” Over time, the word underwent transformations as it passed through various ancient languages, including Latin and Old English, before evolving into its current form in modern English. Origin and Etymology of Demon … 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
Exploring Etymology of Music
The etymology of the word “music” can be traced back to the Greek word “mousike,” which encompasses the arts of the Muses. It has evolved through various ancient languages, including Latin, French, and Old English, before becoming the modern English term we use today. The word has gone through significant linguistic transformations and historical contexts, … Read more
What is the Etymology of Justice?
The etymology of the word “Justice” can be traced back to the Latin word “justitia,” which means “righteousness” or “equity.” It has evolved over time through various ancient languages, including Greek, Old French, and Middle English. The meaning of justice has undergone changes, but its core concept of fairness and moral righteousness has remained constant. … Read more
Learn the Etymology of Gaslighting
The etymology of the word “gaslighting” can be traced back to the late 19th century. It originated from the play and later the film adaptation titled “Gas Light,” which was first performed in 1938. The term describes a manipulative tactic used by the main character to make his wife question her own sanity. Over time, … Read more
Exploring Etymology of Education
The etymology of the word ‘education’ can be traced back to the Latin word “educare,” which means “to bring up” or “to rear.” It evolved from the Latin word “educatio” and eventually entered the English language in the 16th century. The term has undergone various linguistic transformations and changes in meaning throughout its history. Origin … Read more