Etymologise (Verb)
Meaning 1
Give the etymology or derivation or suggest an etymology (for a word); "The linguist probably etymologized the words incorrectly"; "Although he is not trained in this, his hobby is etymologizing".
Classification
Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing.
Examples
- Linguists often attempt to etymologize archaic terms to better comprehend their original meanings and historical significance.
- He loved etymologizing place names in his home town, and spent years studying the origins of nearby streets and landmarks.
- A specialist will be needed to etymologize this rare technical term, which only appears in obscure historical documentation.
- A strong interest in word origins led him to begin etymologizing as a hobby after high school.
- Throughout the speech, the speaker rashly attempted to etymologize various colloquial expressions based on flawed assumptions.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Construct the history of words.
Classification
Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting.
Examples
- The linguist's task was to etymologise the odd word in order to understand its usage in the ancient language.
- By studying the development of language patterns, researchers can etymologise the term to its origins in Latin.
- Scholars often seek to etymologise obscure words found in ancient texts, tracing their meanings over time.
- Those familiar with Greek mythology can easily etymologise the word "panic" to a combination of "pan" and the suffix "-ic", implying a strong connection.
- Linguists can etymologise the word "robot" by linking it to its invention as a stage prop in a 1920s play.