How to Search for the Etymology or History of a Word
- 1). Navigate to the Online Etymology Dictionary (see Resources). The Online Etymology Dictionary is considered the best etymological source on the Internet. Ohio University verifies it as a valid scholarly source. Enter the word you wish to search for and click "OK."
- 2). Navigate to MyEtymology (see Resources). MyEtymology brands itself as a "universal" dictionary offering many languages. Enter your search term and click "Search." The detail is rarely as expansive as the Online Etymology Dictionary.
- 3). Navigate to Behind the Name (see Resources). Behind the Name is an etymology dictionary for first names. This is a specialist etymology dictionary and should be used, as expected, for researching first names. Enter your name and click "Search."
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