Word Etymology Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.9-10.4.C

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Where a word originated from and the history behind it is considered the etymology. When studying a word's etymology, we will focus on the earliest use of the word and broadcast of the word from one language to another. While a definition will tell you what a word means and is used commonly at the current time, etymology reveals a deeper essence of the word. These worksheets will help students understand the significance of a word's contribution to language.

Word Etymology Worksheets To Print:

Where Did It Come From? – Many words in the English language come from words in other languages, most frequently from Greek and Latin words.

Word Etymology – Look up each word below in a dictionary. Fill out the chart. Then answer the questions.

Etymology Challenge – Each word below contains one or more Greek or Latin roots. Unscramble the words.

Word Roots and Origins – Read each word and its meaning below. Use a dictionary to help you locate the root(s) in each word. Some words may contain more than one root.

The Origins of Words – Find each of the three words below in the dictionary. Fill out the table.

Pro! – Many words begin with prefix pro. Look up each of the words below in the dictionary. Fill out the chart. Then answer the questions.

Meaning from Root Words – Use a dictionary to determine the meaning and etymology of each root word below.

Same or Different? – Some words look like they would have the same root word, but they actually have different etymologies.

Our Evolving Language – The English language is always changing, and our dictionaries have to change to keep up with it.

Etymology and Meaning – The following words have meanings that are all vaguely related.

Where Did You Find That? – Now choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

Word Family Trees – Words have "ancestors" just like you do. Like your ancestors, some words come from distant countries, and like the characteristics of a family, the characteristics of words can change over time.

Word Origin Project – Cut out the cards. Use them to create a "family tree" for each assigned word.

Using References to Clarify Pronunciation – Look up each word in the dictionary. Circle the correct pronunciation.

Etymology and Pronunciation – Look up each word in the dictionary. Circle the correct pronunciation. What is the origin of the word? Write it in the box.

What is Word Etymology?


As the English language originated from Greek and Latin languages, most of the words we use today have either come from Greek or Latin roots. Etymology is a branch of linguistics that studies the origin of the words. Word etymology means to study the history of words, the origin of the word, and how the use and meaning of a particular word has changed overtime and under the influence of history. It is important as well as an informative activity to find out the origins of words. Given below are some common aspects to a word's etymology that can show you how a word has been changed or brought into the English language:


Shortening


Some common words of English are originated by shortening the other words either from another language or English. To study the etymology of a word, first make sure either the word is shortened by some other word or not. For example, a commonly used word gym is originated from word gymnasium and looking at it, once can easily trace its etymology through searching the etymology of the word gymnasium.


Borrowing


As mentioned earlier, most of the words in the English language are borrowed from either the Latin or the Greek language. To study the etymology of a word, it is important to know that if the word or some part of the word is borrowed from other language or not. For example word, aqua used for water is borrowed from the Latin language.


Blending


Some words are also formed by combining two words. In some cases, the meaning of that word is also a blend of meanings of both the actual words. To study the etymology of such words, divide it into parts so that you can find those words that were blended to form the new word under study.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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