1. to trace or explain the origin and history of a word or its meaning
Usage: third-person singular present tense of etymologize

Examples

• The linguist etymologizes the word 'breakfast' by showing it comes from 'break' and 'fast'.
• She etymologizes ancient Greek terms to help students understand their modern English descendants.
• The dictionary etymologizes each entry to show where the word originally came from.
• He etymologizes the surname 'Smith' as deriving from the occupation of metalworking.
• When you etymologize a word, you discover its fascinating historical journey through languages.