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 load + the suffix -ing.

From Hebrew אֱנוֹשׁ (enósh, “mortal man”).

From Latin inaugurō, originally meaning to take omens from the flight of birds before installing someone in office — from in- plus augurō, "to act as an augur."

From Ottoman Turkish, ultimately from Arabic Muhammad — making it a doublet of "Muhammad" and "Mahomet."

A pun on the name of actor and broadcaster Desmond Tutu — "Tutu" sounds like "2:2," the grade it refers to.

From Latin implantare, built from im- ("in") + plant.

A short form of Judas, adopted to distinguish the apostle Jude Thaddaeus from Judas Iscariot.

From clear (verb) + -er.

From Middle English answerynge, built from answer plus -ing.

From the past participle of articulate, in the sense "jointed."

Unidentified origin.

From clinch + -er — literally "the thing that clinches" a matter.

Formed from final plus the verb-forming suffix -ize.

From Latin mutilatio, related to French mutilation.

From motivate + -ion, following the pattern of French motivation and German Motivation.

From Middle English schadwy, built from "shadow" plus "-y".

Cockney rhyming slang from "Jacob's Cream Crackers," a real biscuit brand, rhyming with "knackers."

The adjective form of the verb riddle, "to pierce with holes."

From "skimp" plus "-y."

Probably from French chaudière ("cooking pot"), from Late Latin caldaria, related to the same root as "cauldron."

From Ecclesiastical Latin incarnatus, "made flesh," from in- + caro/carn- ("flesh") — the same root as "carnal" and "carnivore."

From Latin consul, the title of the Roman Republic's highest elected officials.

From French salon, "reception room," ultimately from Italian sala, "hall." A doublet of "saloon," which took a more informal, American turn in meaning.

From re-, "again," plus organize.