Etymology: the study of the origin and history of words and their meanings.
Etymology, the study of the origin and history of a word, originates from Greek and Latin. English words often have alternative forms, such as mono- (Greek), uni- (Latin), and one- (Germanic). The etymologies of everyday words reveal various ways new words can enter the language. Many words were once considered barbaric misuses, but today's new words can cause outcries. The constant evolution of new words and old words can be seen as a sign of vitality and creativity in a language's shape.Â