Etymologies: Why Should You Care?

(learn more about where words came from and who their family members are)


English modern words for a Modern Age, especially English vocabulary from Latin Greek word origins or etymologies from word sources; prefixes, roots, suffixes.

If you really want to have a much better understanding of some well-known words that you think you know and some important, but not so commonly known words, you might want to take the time to read and to experience the wonder of each of the word families shown in this Word Info Index. Be aware that it is very large and informative; so, don't even think about trying to see all of the units in one sitting.

Something old; something new;
Something borrowed; something true.

We live in an age of constant oral and written expressions. In a time when our knowledge is increasing with breathless speed, particularly in specialized areas, it is important that we understand each other by having a better comprehension of some "old" words and "new" words, most of which are "borrowed" but always with every possible effort to present the "true" origins and current usages of those words. This is what Words for Our Modern Age is all about.

"We not only speak but think and even dream in words. Language is a mirror in which the whole spiritual development of mankind reflects itself. Therefore, in tracing words to their origin, we are tracing simultaneously civilization and culture to their real roots."

—Dr. Ernest Klein, Preface,
A comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language,
Elsevier Publishing Company, New York, 1966.

Also visit:

"Rooting Around" with Etymology.

Learning "Word Origins" with "Etymologies.

Unit of etym- words.