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definitions

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.

Nearby words

  1. ety.,
  2. etym.,
  3. etymological,
  4. etymologicon,
  5. etymologist,
  6. etymology,
  7. etymon,
  8. etzel,
  9. eu,
  10. eu-
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

etymologize

v.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper