etymologize

[et-uh-mol-uh-jahyz]

verb (used with object), et·y·mol·o·gized, et·y·mol·o·giz·ing.

to trace the history of (a word).

verb (used without object), et·y·mol·o·gized, et·y·mol·o·giz·ing.

to study etymology.

to give or suggest the etymology of words.

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. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for etymologize

etymologize

etymologise

verb

to trace, state, or suggest the etymology of (a word)

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

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