Name: An Etymological Dictionary of the English Language
Author: Rev. Walter W. Skeat
ISBN: 9780486440521

An Etymological Dictionary of the English Language

Rev. Walter W. Skeat

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Author Description

Comprehensive and easy to use, this resource offers numerous cross-references that allow readers to trace English words back to their Indo-European roots. By exhibiting the relationship between English and cognate tongues, it reveals the language's basis in Latin and Greek as well as prior derivations from Anglo-Saxon and Icelandic sources. Each entry begins with a brief definition and an exact statement of the term's actual (or probable) language of origin. An account of its transition to English usage follows, along with either a few quotations that indicate the period at which the word was adapted, or else the usual Middle-English forms. A helpful Appendix contains a glossary of prefixes, a general accounting of suffixes, a table of Indo-European roots, and vocabularies of homonyms and doublets, in addition to lists showing the distribution of the sources of English. A standard reference for many years, this volume will prove a practical resource not only to students of comparative philology and of early English, but to everyone with an interest in the origin, history, and development of the English language.

Menrva's Summary

THE THESIS

This dictionary investigates the origins and evolution of the English language, tracing words back to their Indo-European roots. Rev. Walter W. Skeat, a respected scholar, presents a comprehensive resource that details the relationship between English and cognate languages, highlighting its foundations in Latin, Greek, Anglo-Saxon, and Icelandic. Each entry provides a definition, the probable language of origin, and its transition into English usage, often supported by quotations or Middle English forms. The work aims to serve as a practical reference for students of philology and early English, as well as for anyone interested in the history and development of the English language.

THE SCOPE MAP

Detailed etymological entries for English words.
Cross-references to trace words to Indo-European roots.
Exhibition of relationships between English and cognate tongues.
Analysis of English language basis in Latin, Greek, Anglo-Saxon, and Icelandic.
Inclusion of definitions and probable language of origin for each term.
Account of word transition into English usage with supporting quotations or Middle English forms.
Appendix with a glossary of prefixes and suffixes.
Appendix with a table of Indo-European roots, vocabularies of homonyms and doublets, and lists of English source distributions.

THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE

This seminal work by Rev. Walter W. Skeat has long been recognized as a standard reference in the field of English etymology. Its comprehensive nature and detailed cross-referencing make it an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. The book is lauded for its thoroughness in tracing words back to their Indo-European origins and for illuminating the historical layers of the English language. Its enduring utility lies in its detailed exploration of linguistic roots and historical usage, solidifying its place as a cornerstone for understanding the development of English.

Page Count:
780

Publication Date:
2005-01-01

Publisher:
Courier Corporation

ISBN-10:
0486440524

ISBN-13:
9780486440521

Non-Fiction

Literary Fiction

Reference

Linguistics