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

Exploring Etymology of Courage

The etymology of the word “courage” can be traced back to the Latin word “cor” meaning “heart.” It evolved through various languages, including Old French and Middle English, before becoming the modern English word we know today. The word has consistently carried the connotation of bravery and strength throughout its linguistic transformations. Origin and Etymology … Read more

What is the Etymology of Apocalypse?

The etymology of the word “Apocalypse” can be traced back to its root word in Greek, “apokalupsis,” which means “uncovering” or “revelation.” It has evolved through various ancient languages, including Latin and Old English, before becoming part of modern English vocabulary. The word has undergone changes in meaning over time, reflecting its historical context and … Read more

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

Exploring Etymology of Queue

The word ‘queue’ originated from the French word ‘cue’, which means “tail”. It then evolved through various languages and historical contexts to its current meaning in modern English. The etymology of ‘queue’ provides insights into its linguistic transformations and the historical context in which it developed. Origin and Etymology of Queue in Chronological Order [Latin … Read more

Exploring Etymology of Hospital

The word “hospital” originated from the Latin word “hospes,” which means “guest” or “stranger.” Its evolution can be traced through various ancient languages, such as Greek, Old French, and Middle English. The meaning and usage of the word have undergone significant transformations over time, reflecting the changing concepts of healthcare and hospitality. Origin and Etymology … Read more

Etymology of Queen

The etymology of the word “queen” can be traced back to its root word in Old English, “cwen,” which means “woman” or “wife.” It has evolved through various ancient languages, including Old Norse, Old High German, and Old Saxon, before settling into its current form in modern English. The meaning of “queen” has undergone changes … Read more

Exploring Etymology of Oligarchy

The word ‘oligarchy’ is derived from the Greek words ‘oligos’, meaning ‘few’, and ‘arkhein’, meaning ‘to rule’. It refers to a form of government where power is held by a small group of people. The term has its roots in ancient Greece and has evolved over time to become a commonly used word in modern … Read more

Learn the Etymology of Literature

The etymology of the word “literature” can be traced back to the Latin word “literatura,” which originally referred to written works. It evolved from the Latin word “littera,” meaning “letter” or “character.” Throughout history, the term “literature” has undergone various transformations in meaning and has been influenced by different languages and cultures. Origin and Etymology … Read more

What is the Etymology of Geography?

Origin and Etymology of Geography in Chronological Order The English word ‘Geography’ originates from the Greek word ‘geographia’. The word is derived from the combination of ‘geo’ meaning ‘Earth’ and ‘graphia’ meaning ‘writing’ or ‘description’. The term ‘geographia’ was first used by the ancient Greek scholar Eratosthenes in the 3rd century BCE. [Greek (3rd century … Read more