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Etymonline: Online Etymological Dictionary

By Douglas R. Harper Last updated 2024/05/27
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Description

Etymonline is a free online etymology dictionary that provides information about the origins and historical development of words in English.  It offers detailed explanations of word origins, meanings, and changes over time, often tracing words back to their earliest recorded usage. This resource can help educators and students understand how words have evolved and diversified throughout history, as well as help understand the orthography and morphology of words.

Curriculum Connection

1. Curriculum Context
The Etymonline website is a great tool that can support educators and students alike to better understand the morphology and etymology of words in the English language.  This knowledge can be applied to all content areas, and has a significant impact on student spelling, as well as vocabulary. 
Grade(s): K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Topic(s): Applying MorphologyApplying OrthographyApplying PhonicsExplicit InstructionWord-Level Reading and Spelling

1 Comment

  1. The etymologies could be clearer and more user friendly, but a very informative and comprehensive site. It is important for educators to research the etymologies of content vocabulary before embarking on a new math unit for instance. Front loading content areas with this knowledge has great potential to promote deeper understandings of language AND content.

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