adjective
etymological
et-i-muh-LOJ-i-kuhl
Etymological (adjective) means relating to etymology, the study of where words come from. Example: “The dictionary includes an etymological note for each entry.”
adjective
1
Relating to etymology, the study of where words come from.
"The dictionary includes an etymological note for each entry."
"She gave an etymological explanation of the word's Latin roots."
"His talk focused on the etymological links between several European languages."
2
Matching a word's original meaning or form in its source language.
"The spelling was changed to be more etymological, closer to its Latin original."
"Some writers prefer the etymological spelling of loanwords."
"The translator chose the more etymological rendering of the phrase."
How to use etymological
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for anything to do with tracing where a word came from.
When to use it
This is a standard word in linguistics and general writing about language.
Memory tip
Etymological is the adjective form; the noun you are describing is etymology.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
etymological root
etymological dictionary
etymological origin
etymological link
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The dictionary includes an _____ note for each entry.
Etymology
The word is formed by adding the ending -ical to etymology.
Rhymes for etymological
See all rhymes for etymological →Frequently asked questions
What does etymological mean?
It means relating to etymology, the study of a word's origin and history.
How is etymological different from etymology?
Etymology is the noun for the study itself, while etymological is the adjective used to describe something related to it.
What is an etymological spelling?
It is a spelling that stays closer to a word's original form in its source language.
What is the meaning of etymological?
"etymological" (adjective) means relating to etymology, the study of where words come from.
