2006-06-25 19:28:49 · 5 answers · asked by dirtyoldman 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
most dictionaries I've seen provide both etymology and definition
why give up one, when you can have both?
2006-06-25 19:32:22 · answer #1 · answered by wireflight 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dictionaries do tell where words come from. Look right after the part of speech, such as n. (for noun) You'll see something in brackets telling the word origin. As an example, I just pulled out my trusty Webster's Dictionary, which sits next to my computer. I opened to a random page and found the word "court." The dictionary gives the pronunciation, "kort" the part of speech - n for "noun," then [
You may also see Fr. for French, Gr. for Greek, etc.
And there are books containing word derivations or word histories. They can be found in bookstores, and on line. English is a fascinating language, and I think it's great that you're interested enough to learn more!
2006-06-26 02:42:27 · answer #2 · answered by Theatregal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Oxford English Dictionary does give you word origins, as well as tracing the evolution of the word. There are also other dictionaries that do the same, but the OED is considered the definitive dictionary of the English language.
2006-06-26 02:33:36 · answer #3 · answered by triviatm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called etymology and there are etymological dictionaries, databases, and etymologies for words in unabridged dictionaries.
2006-06-26 02:32:41 · answer #4 · answered by Seikilos 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can get one on ebay for like 10 bucks.
2006-06-26 02:32:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋