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 French impressionnable, from impression + -able.

From Old French, ultimately from Late Latin indiscretio.

From un- (\"not\") plus warranted (\"justified\").

From shameless plus -ly.

From un- ("not") plus reachable.

From French inaction, formed from in- plus action.

From impulsive plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

From Ancient Greek Δάμων (Dámōn), famous from the story of Damon and Pythias.

From rant + -ing.

From MacGyver, the title character of a 1980s American TV show known for building ingenious gadgets from ordinary objects.

Likely from the Irish surname Ó Catháin, meaning "descendant of Cathán."

Abbreviation of "Cub Scouts" or "Chicago Cubs".

From overwhelming + -ly.

From French détour, from détourner ("to turn away").

From spiritual plus the "-ist" suffix, denoting a believer or practitioner.

From pre- (\"before\") plus disposition.

A blend of "hazardous" and "material(s)."

From compatible plus the noun ending -ity.

A 20th-century invention, possibly derived from the plant name alyssum or from Alicia.

From substantial plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

Named after the Duke of Clarence, a British royal title — the carriage style was associated with him.

From Greek σείριος (seírios, "scorching, scorcher"), via Latin Sīrius.

From "gum" (chewing gum) plus "ball," describing its round shape.

Named after Rouen, the French city where the breed was developed, itself from Latin Rotomagus.