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 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
Exploring Etymology of Soccer
The etymology of the word “soccer” can be traced back to the mid-19th century in England. It originated as a slang abbreviation of the word “association,” referring to the game of football played under the rules of the Football Association. The term “soccer” was used to distinguish it from other forms of football, such as … 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
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
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
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
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 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