English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

Etymology — The origins of English words

Where do words come from? Trace the origin and history of any English word, from its Latin, Greek or Old English roots through to its modern meaning. Every etymology is sourced.

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From Anglo-Norman protectour, from Latin prōtēctor, from prōtegō, "to shield, protect."

From Old French monument, from Latin monumentum ("a reminder, memorial"), from monere ("to remind, warn") — the same root behind "admonish."

Borrowed from French Claude, from Latin Claudius, traditionally linked to claudus ("lame") but likely of Sabine origin.

Formed in scientific Latin from "ammonia" plus the chemical suffix "-ium", following the pattern used for naming metallic-acting ions.

Shortened from "nitrocellulose," a term tied to early gunpowder manufacturing.

Built from anti- ("against") and septic (relating to infection or decay).

From Old French sorel, related to "sour" — a nod to the plant's tart leaves.

Thought to come from up- + shot, originally referring to the final, decisive shot in an archery match.

Simply "sea" plus "shell" — the shell part traces back through Old English scell to a very old root meaning "to split" or "peel," since shells split away from the creature inside.

From pearl + the adjective suffix -y.

From Latin Faunus, a Roman god of forests and shepherds.

From Hindi dhotī.

From "buoy" plus the adjective ending "-ant".

Formed from "buoyant" plus the noun ending "-cy".

From Old English or Old Norse roots meaning "rope" or "cord", ultimately traced back to an ancient root meaning "to tie" or "to pull".

From French placide, from Latin placidus, "calm, peaceful," related to placere, "to please."

Origin uncertain, likely blending a Middle English word for "squeamish" with an old dialect word describing dizziness or faintness.

Probably from a Northern English/Scottish word skite ("to move suddenly and lightly") plus the suffix -ish.

From "heart" + "felt" — something genuinely felt in the heart, not just said out of politeness.

A calque of Serbo-Croatian Crna Gora, meaning "black mountain."

Borrowed from Arabic hummus, the word for chickpea.

From Late Latin satisfactorius, ultimately from satis ("enough") and facere ("to make").

Shortened from "acknowledged," originally used in telegraph and radio signalling.

From Ancient Greek antagonistes ("opponent"), from antagonizomai ("to struggle against"), related to agon, "contest."