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1. Dictionary

   Def·i·ni·tion

   /ˌdefəˈniSHən/

   

   noun

   • 1. a statement of the exact meaning of a word, especially in a dictionary: "a dictionary definition of the verb"
   • ▪ an exact statement or description of the nature, scope, or meaning of something: "our definition of what constitutes poetry" Similar meaningdenotationsenseinterpretationexplanationelucidationexplicationdescriptionclarificationexpositionexpoundingillustrationdecipheringdecodingstatement/outline of meaning
   • ▪ the action or process of defining something: "a question of definition"
   • 2. the degree of distinctness in outline of an object, image, or sound, especially of an image in a photograph or on a screen: "the clarity and definition of pictures can be aided by using computer graphics" Similar clarityclearnessvisibilityprecisionsharpnesscrispnessacutenessdistinctnessresolutionfocuscontrastOpposite blurrinessfuzziness
   • ▪ the capacity of an instrument or device for making images distinct in outline: "we've been pleased with the definition of this TV"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Latin definitio(n-), from the verb definire ‘set bounds to’ (see define).

   Scrabble Points: 14

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2. People also ask

   What does etymology mean?

   • The etymology of etymology itself is relatively straightforward. Etymon means "origin of a word" in Latin, and comes from the Greek word etymon, meaning "literal meaning of a word according to its origin." Greek etymon in turn comes from etymos, which means "true." Be careful not to confuse etymology with the similar-sounding entomology.

   Etymology Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/etymology

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   How do etymologists study the origins of words?

   • Etymologists apply a number of methods to study the origins of words, some of which are: Philological research. Changes in the form and meaning of the word can be traced with the aid of older texts, if such are available. Making use of dialectological data.

   Etymology - Wikipedia

   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology

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   How do I know if a word is etymology?

   • For words that appear in the dictionary, you'll be able to see etymology and a graph of its use over time alongside the definition. The urge to know an etymology can come on suddenly, after all, and be a mental itch that demands to be scratched. Books on word etymologies, history and urban legends, stacked two-deep in the couple's library.

   ETYMOLOGY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/etymology

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   When did etymology start?

   • One of the earliest philosophical texts of the Classical Greek period to address etymology was the Socratic dialogue Cratylus ( c. 360 BCE) by Plato. During much of the dialogue, Socrates makes guesses as to the origins of many words, including the names of the gods. In his Odes Pindar spins complimentary etymologies to flatter his patrons.

   Etymology - Wikipedia

   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etymology

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3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › etymologyEtymology Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › etymology

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   Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words, tracing their development and transmission across languages. Learn the etymology of etymology, see examples of etymology in sentences, and explore related words and phrases.

4. www.etymonline.comEtymonline - Online Etymology Dictionary

   www.etymonline.com

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   Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words. Etymonline provides explanations of what words meant and how they sounded in the past, based on various sources and suggestions.

5. Videos

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6. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › etymologyETYMOLOGY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › etymology

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   Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words, or a study of this type relating to one particular word. Learn more about etymology, see examples, and explore related words and phrases in the Cambridge Dictionary.

7. www.etymonline.com › word › etymologyetymology | Etymology of etymology by etymonline

   www.etymonline.com › word › etymology

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   Apr 27, 2024 · Etymology is the study of the origin and evolution of words, based on historical records and linguistic analysis. Learn the etymology of etymology and other words, and explore related terms and trends.

8. www.dictionary.com › browse › etymologyETYMOLOGY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › etymology

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   the derivation of a word. Synonyms: origin, derivation. a chronological account of the birth and development of a particular word or element of a word, often delineating its spread from one language to another and its evolving changes in form and meaning.

9. en.wikipedia.org › wiki › EtymologyEtymology - Wikipedia

   en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Etymology

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   Etymology (/ ˌ ɛ t ɪ ˈ m ɒ l ə dʒ i /, ET-im-OL-ə-jee) is the scientific study of the origin and evolution of a word's semantic meaning across time, including its constituent morphemes and phonemes.

10. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › etymologyETYMOLOGY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

    dictionary.cambridge.org › english › etymology

    • Cached

    Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words, or a study of this type relating to one particular word. Learn more about etymology, see examples, and explore related words and phrases in the Cambridge Dictionary.