The term “ontology” comes from the Greek words “ὤν” (ōn), meaning “being” or “existence,” and “λόγος” (logos), meaning “study” or “discourse.” Here’s a detailed chronological breakdown: 1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE) The PIE root “*es-” means “to be.” 2. Ancient Greek From the PIE root, the Ancient Greek word “ὤν” (ōn) developed, which is the present participle of “εἰμί” (eimí), meaning “to be.” The suffix “-λογία” (-logia) comes from “λόγος” (logos), meaning “word,” “study,” or “science.” Combined, “ὀντολογία” (ontologia) means “the study of being.” 3. Late Latin The Greek “ὀντολογία” (ontologia) was adopted into Late Latin as “ontologia,” retaining the same meaning of “the study of being.” 4. Middle English (c. 11th… Read More
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