An Etymological Dictionary of the English Language (Dover Language Guides) - Softcover

Skeat, Walter W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486440524 ISBN 13: 9780486440521

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2005

Synopsis

This comprehensive and user-friendly resource traces the fascinating development of English words from their ancient roots. It’s an indispensable guide for linguists, writers, and history enthusiasts.

Practical and reliable, this reference traces English words back to their Indo-European roots. Each entry features a brief definition, identifies the language of origin, and employs a few illustrative quotations. An extensive appendix includes lists of prefixes, suffixes, Indo-European roots, homonyms and doublets, as well as the distribution of English-language sources.
 

• Offers comprehensive definitions with exact word origins for deeper understanding.
• Explores connections to Latin, Greek, Anglo-Saxon, and Icelandic languages.
• Features a glossary of prefixes, suffixes, and Indo-European root tables.
• Includes historical quotations and Middle-English forms for context.
• Helps avoid common pronunciation mistakes by knowing word roots.
• Supports creative writing and digital communication with a richer vocabulary.
• Ideal for students, researchers, and anyone intrigued by the diversity and evolution of language.

An Etymological Dictionary of the English Language is a timeless reference that inspires curiosity about word histories and their diversity. A standard reference for many years, this volume will prove a practical resource not only to students of comparative philology and early English, but also to everyone with an interest in the origin, history, and development of the English language.

Edition details

• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0486440524
• ISBN 13: 9780486440521
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 832