The study of the origin and historical development of words and their meanings. It traces how words have evolved through different languages and time periods.
From Greek etymon meaning 'true sense' + logos meaning 'word, study' → etymologia meaning 'study of true meanings.' Passed through Medieval Latin etymologia, then Old French etimologie, entering Middle English as etimologie before becoming modern etymology.
Etymology literally means 'the study of true word meanings' — it's logos examining logos! While we use etymology to trace word origins, it shares its logos root with dialogue (words between people) and monologue (words from one person). All these words celebrate the power of logos as both 'word' and 'reason.'
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