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etymologize

[et-uh-mol-uh-jahyz]
verb (used with object), et·y·mol·o·gized, et·y·mol·o·giz·ing.
  1. to trace the history of (a word).
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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.
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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)
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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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper