Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

etymologize

[et-uh-mol-uh-jahyz]
See more synonyms for etymologize on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), et·y·mol·o·gized, et·y·mol·o·giz·ing.
  1. to trace the history of (a word).
Show More
verb (used without object), et·y·mol·o·gized, et·y·mol·o·giz·ing.
  1. to study etymology.
  2. to give or suggest the etymology of words.
Show More
Also especially British, et·y·mol·o·gise.

Origin of etymologize

From the Late Latin word etymologizāre, dating back to 1520–30. See etymology, -ize
Related formset·y·mol·o·giz·a·ble, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for etymologize

etymologize

etymologise

verb
  1. to trace, state, or suggest the etymology of (a word)
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for etymologize

v.

1530s; see etymology + -ize. Related: Etymologized; etymologizing.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper