Word Origins...And How We Know Them: Etymology for Everyone

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Anatoly Liberman (Professor of the Humanities, Professor of the Humanities, University of Minnesota, USA)

Word Origins...And How We Know Them

Etymology for Everyone

Anatoly Liberman (Professor of the Humanities, Professor of the Humanities, University of Minnesota, USA)

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English

Oxford University Press
01 July 2009

Language: history & general works; Historical & comparative linguistics; Reference

Written in a funny, charming, and conversational style, Word Origins is the first book to offer a thorough investigation of the history and the science of etymology, making this little-known field accessible to everyone interested in the history of words. Anatoly Liberman, an internationally acclaimed etymologist, takes the reader by the hand and explains the many ways that English words can be made, and the many ways in which etymologists try to unearth the origins of words. Every chapter is packed with dozens of examples of proven word histories, used to illustrate the correct ways to trace the origins of words as well as some of the egregiously bad ways to trace them. He not only tells the known origins of hundreds of words, but also shows how their origins were determined. And along the way, the reader is treated to a wealth of fascinating word facts. Did they once have bells in a belfry? No, the original meaning of belfry was siege tower. Are the words isle and island, raven and ravenous, or pan and pantry related etymologically? No, though they look strikingly similar, these words came to English via different routes. Partly a history, partly a how-to, and completely entertaining, Word Origins invites readers behind the scenes to watch an etymologist at work.

By: Anatoly Liberman (Professor of the Humanities Professor of the Humanities University of Minnesota USA)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 209mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 22mm
Weight: 439g
ISBN: 9780195387070
ISBN 10: 0195387074
Pages: 334
Publication Date: 01 July 2009
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active