The term “etymology” comes from the Greek word “ἐτυμολογία” (etymología), which means “the study of the true sense (of a word).” Here’s a detailed chronological breakdown:
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*u̯et-” means “true” or “real.”
2. Ancient Greek
From the PIE root, the Ancient Greek word “ἔτυμον” (étymon) developed, meaning “true sense” or “true meaning.” The suffix “-λογία” (-logia) comes from “λόγος” (logos), meaning “word,” “study,” or “science.” Combined, “ἐτυμολογία” (etymología) means “the study of the true sense (of words).”
3. Latin
The Greek “ἐτυμολογία” (etymología) was adopted into Latin as “etymologia,” retaining the same meaning of “the study of the true sense (of words).”
4. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “etymologia” evolved into Old French “etimologie,” meaning “the study of the origin and history of words.”
5. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “etimologie” was adopted into Middle English as “etymologie,” meaning “the study of the origin and history of words.”
6. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “etymology” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, referring to the study of the origin, history, and development of words.
The word “etymology” reflects the scholarly practice of tracing the origins and historical development of words, emphasizing the investigation of their true meanings and how they have changed over time.