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 meteorology + -ical.

Built from event + -ful.

From Latin regeneratio, built from re- plus generatio, "generation, creation."

From firm plus the suffix -er.

From unhinge + -ed — literally "taken off its hinges," extended figuratively to mean mentally unstable.

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

From witch plus the adjective ending -ing.

From "exhaust" (ultimately from Latin exhaurire, "to draw out completely") plus the "-ing" ending.

From awe + -some. The informal "excellent" sense became especially popular in American English from the mid-20th century onward.

From French méditatif, related to meditate.

From conclusive plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

From super- + massive.

From super- + computer.

From here plus to, formed in Middle English.

Inherited from Middle English smorþering.

The noun form of the verb lighten, formed with the -ing suffix.

Formed from "grandstand" (verb) plus the suffix "-ing."

Compare Dutch loopen (“to run”).

From butcher plus -ing.

From the verb "scalp" (in its ticket-reselling sense) plus "-ing."

From nest + the noun-forming suffix -ing.

From Middle English dampnynge, formed from damn plus the -ing ending.

Named for the way spoons stack neatly together — the same idea behind the cuddling position.

From Middle English gruntynge (“grunting”); equivalent to grunt + -ing.