etymologize

/ˈɛdəˌmɑləˈdʒaɪz/
IPA guide

Other forms: etymologizing; etymologizes

Definitions of etymologize
  1. verb
    give the etymology or derivation or suggest an etymology (for a word)
    “The linguist probably etymologized the words incorrectly”
    “Although he is not trained in this, his hobby is etymologizing”
    synonyms: etymologise
    see moresee less
    type of:
    derive, educe
    develop or evolve from a latent or potential state
  2. verb
    construct the history of words
    synonyms: etymologise
    see moresee less
    type of:
    construct, reconstruct, retrace
    reassemble mentally
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