etymology noun

/ˌet.ɪˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/

/-ˈmɑː.lə-/ n [C or U]

Definition

the study of the origin and history of words, or a study of this type relating to one particular word

At university she developed an interest in etymology.

A list of selected words and their etymologies is printed at the back of the book.

/ˌet.ɪ.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

/-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adj

/ˌet.ɪ.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kli/

/-ˈlɑː.dʒɪ-/ adv

/ˌet.ɪˈmɒl.ə.dʒɪst/

/-ˈmɑː.lə-/ n [C]

(Definition of etymology noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Synonyms and related words:

If a problem preys on your mind, you think about it and worry about it a lot

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