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What's the word for the study of word origins?
The word you're looking for
Etymology is the study of where words come from and how their meanings change over time. It is the best word for "the study of word origins."
Other words that fit
Use this for the older, broader study of language, texts, and word history.
Use this when you mean the study of names, not all words.
Use this for the study of words in a language, especially as a field of linguistics.
Why this word
Etymology is the standard term for the history and origin of words. People use it when they want to know where a word first came from, what language it came from, and how its meaning changed. Do not confuse it with lexicology, which is broader, or philology, which is older and less common in modern everyday use. If you are asking about names, the better word is onomastics.
In context
- I'm interested in the etymology of this word.
- The etymology of "salary" is surprising.
- She studies etymology for fun.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is etymology the same as origin?
- Not exactly. Origin is the source itself, while etymology is the study of that source.
- Is philology the same as etymology?
- No. Philology is broader and includes language, texts, and history. Etymology is only about word origins.
- Can etymology be used for phrases too?
- Usually it is used for single words, but people sometimes use it loosely for phrases too.