28quotes

Quotes about etymology

Etymology, the fascinating study of word origins and their evolution over time, offers a unique lens through which we can explore the rich tapestry of language. This field delves into the history and development of words, tracing their roots back to ancient languages and cultures. It reveals how words have transformed, adapted, and sometimes even disappeared, reflecting the dynamic nature of human communication. People are drawn to quotes about etymology because they provide a glimpse into the hidden stories behind the words we use every day. These quotes often spark curiosity and wonder, inviting us to consider the intricate connections between language, history, and culture. By understanding the etymology of words, we gain insight into the shared human experience and the ways in which language shapes our perception of the world. Whether you're a linguist, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the beauty of words, exploring etymology can be a deeply rewarding journey that enriches our appreciation for the language we often take for granted.

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Debate' (French 'de' = 'undo' + 'bate' = 'the-fight')
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I told the Kid I thought Wednesday was Latin for Satan, and that we probably shouldn't do it then because it might be bad luck. The Kid then proceeded to tell me what the word Wednesday actually means and where it came from (apparently it's Middle English for Wednes dei, the day of the English God Woden--how the hell he knows these things, I'll never know). He then said to stop being such a girl.
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The reader, knowing nothing about the ‘dark continent,’ filled in the blanks. Pictured Stone in a tent, kerosene lamp held up by a Hottentot providing the only light, elephants stampeding outside while the good doctor recited Cicero and excised part of himself as blithely as if he were cutting for stone on the body of another.
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The English word “free,” for instance, is derived from a German root meaning “friend,” since to be free meant to be able to make friends, to keep promises, to live within a community of equals.
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The word mortgage originates in French. it literally means 'death grip'.
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Etymologically, a homestead is a home place, the focus of a story. And the word "home" derives from the ancient root for bed or couch, the place where we lie down to rest. The journey begins, then, in repose, unconsciousness, or sleep. We go out to awaken, hoping to return both wiser and more refreshed. The path soars outward, then bends back, inscribing its parabolic arc.
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A journey or pilgrimage also follows the parabolic curve of an arch: it swings out from a known point and returns symmetrically to a point on the same line or plane, but farther along. For this reason, ancient philosophers chose the arch as a symbol for the process of interpretation. That is why teaching stories, such as those of Jesus or Buddha, are known as parables.
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Vimes had believed all his life that the Watch were called coppers because they carried copper badges, but no, said Carrot, it comes from the old word cappere, to capture.
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The nice guys are all over there, in seventh place.
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Do you know where 'policeman' comes from, sir? ... 'Polis' used to mean 'city', said Carrot. That's what policeman means: 'a man for the city'. Not many people knew that. The word 'polite' comes from 'polis', too. It used to mean the proper behaviour from someone living in a city.
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