cyclical etymology

Etymological Meaning

The term "cyclical etymology" refers to a type of linguistic fallacy in which the meaning of a word is falsely inferred from its etymology (origin), without considering the actual historical evolution of the word's usage.

Origin

The concept of cyclical etymology is often attributed to the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who coined the term "etymologische Sprachverwirrung" (etymological confusion of language) in the 19th century.

Meaning

Cyclical etymology occurs when:

• The origin or etymology of a word is accurately identified, but
• The word's current meaning is not derived from its original meaning
• Instead, the word's modern meaning is projected back onto its etymology, resulting in a false explanation

Examples

• Humility: From Latin "humilitas", meaning "lowliness". But in modern usage, "humility" refers to a virtue, not necessarily related to physical lowness.
• Govern: From Latin "gubernare", meaning "to steer". But in modern usage, "govern" means to exercise authority, not just to navigate.
• Tuition: From Latin "tuitio", meaning "watching over". But in modern usage, "tuition" refers to educational fees, not simply protection or supervision.

Consequences

Cyclical etymology can lead to misunderstandings, incorrect interpretations of texts, and fallacious arguments based on the assumed etymology of words. For example, arguing that homosexuality is unnatural based on the etymology of the word "homosexual" (derived from Greek "homos", meaning "same") is a type of cyclical etymology, as the word's modern usage has evolved beyond its literal meaning.

Avoidance

To avoid cyclical etymology, it is important to:

• Consult historical dictionaries and etymological sources to verify the origins of words
• Consider the actual evolution of word meanings through historical context
• Be cautious of arguments that rely solely on the etymology of words to support their claims

cyclical relate terms

• cyclic

  Etymology The term cyclic etymology is derived from the Greek roots kyklos circl

• cycle

  Etymology The word cycle is derived from the Ancient Greek word κύκλος kyklos

• revolution

  Etymology Latin revolutio a rolling back return revolution re back again

• crusade

  Etymology Medieval Latin cruciata marked with a cross Late Latin crux cross

• Mississippi

  Etymology The name Mississippi is derived from two Algonquian words Misi pronounce

• threshold

  Etymology Old English therscwald doorsill threshold From Proto Germanic threskō

• participle

  Etymology Latin participle noun French participe noun English participle noun

• vehement

  Etymology French véhément Latin vehemens violent impetuous ardent Proto Indo E

• crucible

  Etymology Old French creuset Late Latin crucibulum a diminutive of crux cross Latin

• reparation

  Etymology The word reparation comes from the Latin word reparātiō meaning restor

• review

  Etymology The word review derives from the Old French word reveue which in turn come