Dictionary of Word Origins: The Histories of More
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Uncover the hidden and often surprising connection between words.
Written in a clear and informative style, the more than 8,000 articles reveal the origins of and links between some of the most common English-language words. What is the link between map and apron, acrobat and oxygen, zeal and jealousy, flour and pollen, secret and crime?
Did you know that crimson originally comes from the name of tiny scale insects, the kermes, from whose dried bodies a red dyestuff is made? That Yankee began as a nickname for Dutchmen? That omelette evolved from amulette, “a thin sheet of metal,” and is a not-too-distant cousin of the word laminate? That jeans find their antecedent in jean fustian, meaning “a cotton fabric from Genoa”?
They also contain an extensive selection of words whose life histories are intrinsically fascinating or instructive. This dictionary shows how modern English has developed from its Indo-European roots and how the various influences on the language—from migration and invasion to exploration, trade, technology, and scholarship—have intermingled. It is an invaluable addition to any English or linguistics library.
Publisher : Arcade Publishing; Revised ed. edition (April 1, 2011)
Language : English
Paperback : 592 pages
ISBN-10 : 1611450535
ISBN-13 : 978-1611450538
Item Weight : 1.54 pounds
Dimensions : 6 x 1.4 x 9 inches
13 reviews for Dictionary of Word Origins: The Histories of More
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Original price was: $14.95.$10.39Current price is: $10.39.
William Orr –
A Great and Fun Reference Dictionary
This collection is pretty vast considering its size. There are many terms’ etymologies that I didn’t know the entire history. The accurate derivations from the original languages and examples are great. They’re also humorous. I’ve read complaints that it doesn’t have enough words. Such a work would require years of specialists collecting data. It would be akin to an encyclopedia set to say the least. English is the most etymologically diverse language on earth. This is a great dictionary for any library.
Jennifer Reiersen –
If you.like etymology, you will like this book. This is the type of book I wanted.
The book I got was used, but in very good condition. I can tell it is used because it has names of previous owners. I knew it was used when I ordered it. It costs less that way. I have too many books, but I was missing a book I had that briefly explaind the meanings and origins of many words and root words, especially in scientific nomenclature. I don’t want to to get another copy of that exact book in case it is still around and I just don’t know where. It is more expensive than I expected fir such a tiny but useful book.This book has similar information in a similar format. It is set up in alphabetical order like a dictionary, which makes it easier to find specific words. You can also just browse at random for fun. I havenot looked st much of this book yet, partly because it is much bigger than the little book I used to have.The history of the word diaper is fascinating and not what I would have expected.This book traces the history of words through multiple languages and connects them to other words that we may or may not have suspected were related. Yet each entry is short enough that I can ready it quickly don’t feel overwhelmed by the volume of words.If you like etymology, you will.like this book.
Amazon Customer –
Perfect for word nerds who like rabbit holes
What I love most about this is that it not only introduces the root (or first usage), it also gives you related words in English and other languages). You get the story of each word and can go down some excellent rabbit holes. Example: thorough is related to through, which comes from West Germanic *thurkh, from PIE *tr, which also produced the Latin trans. And nostril means “nose hole” (OE nosu thyrl), and btw thirl is still a a dialectal word for hole.
Roslyn Clark –
Dictionary
I like to look up words when I’m reading to give me the best definition of a word I’m researching, to understand it clearly. This dictionary is pretty good thus far words are small but it does what it’s meant to do
Loup Garou –
Was delivered earlier than expected.
Excellent book, apart from the missing dust jacket.
sirchristian12 –
Very useful and fun
invaluable resource for language enthusiasts and curious minds alike. The book delves into the fascinating etymology of hubdreds of words, revealing their historical roots and evolution over time. Its well-organized entries make it easy to navigate and find information, while the detailed explanations keep you engaged. Whether you’re a writer, student, or simply love words, this book provides both practical knowledge and intriguing insights into the origins of the language we use every day.
GEORGE A. –
Missing words.
Good but not great. I found a number of common words missing from the book. Not super happy with it.
Gerry –
A very good reference
This is an heir to Partridge’s magnum opus, and a fine one at that. It merits a place in one’s home library.
Jonathan Guimarães Gomes –
Um ótimo livro de apoio pra quem quer enriquecer o vocabulário inglês e de quebra entende melhor como funciona a língua inglesa.
P. Aldaya –
I bought this for a friend and she loves it. I read it first and it’s full of fascinating information about the origin of the words we use but never knew how they came into being. Recommended.
Aiden –
I bought this book because I’m obsessed with understanding the root definition of a word but also evolution of a word. People throw words around without precision or true meaning in the modern world. This book keeps your language precise and helps articulate your meaning with deeper understanding.Very easy to read and flows well like a dictionary.
書斎 –
俗語、新語、語源、成句など多方面に渡る辞書を刊行してきたJohn Aytoの語源辞典である。long には「長い」という意味の形容詞と「待ち望む」という意味の動詞がある。昔から両者の関係を知りたいと考えていたので早速引いてみた。両者は同語源で動詞の意味はseem long に由来するという。『ジニアス英和大辞典』 (s.v. long [形]）)にはOnly five minutes seems long when we wait.(待つ身にはほんの5分間が長く思える)の例がある。「長く思える」→「待ち望む」と連想がうまく働きそうである。古期英語、中期英語、ラテン語などの知識がなくてもすらすら読めるように平易な英語で書かれた語源辞典である。英語の語源辞典は山のようにあるが、この語源辞典はお勧めできる。
Danielle Gault –
I love words and I enjoy writing so this lovely word book is sitting on my desk and used often.