etym.

Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Grammar and Dictionary

etym. stands for Etymology, a grammar and dictionary abbreviation.

Heads the section of a dictionary entry that traces a word's origin and history, showing the languages and forms it passed through. Etymologies may appear at the start or the end of an entry.

Example: budget (n.) etym. Middle English, from Old French bougette, diminutive of bouge "leather bag"

Usage notes

The word etymology comes from Greek etymon, "true sense." Dictionaries flag uncertain origins with phrases such as "origin unknown" or "perhaps from." Folk etymologies, popular but false explanations of origin, are a frequent subject of usage notes; the claim that "posh" means "port out, starboard home" is a well-known example.

Related abbreviations

More grammar and dictionary abbreviations

• dat. – Dative
• derog. – Derogatory
• det. – Determiner
• dial. – Dialect
• dim. – Diminutive
• esp. – Especially
• euph. – Euphemism
• fem. – Feminine
• fig. – Figuratively
• Fr. – French
• GA – General American
• gen. – Genitive

See all 93 grammar and dictionary abbreviations →

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