desiderative etymology

Meaning:

Desiderative etymology refers to the practice of deriving the meaning of a word based on its desired or intended interpretation, rather than its actual historical or linguistic origin.

Origin:

The term "desiderative etymology" was coined by the German philologist August Fick in his 1868 work "Vergleichendes Wörterbuch der indogermanischen Sprachen" (Comparative Dictionary of Indo-European Languages).

Explanation:

Traditional etymology seeks to establish the historical origin of words by examining their root forms, language family, and linguistic evolution. In contrast, desiderative etymology involves creating etymologies that support a particular idea or interpretation, often without regard for linguistic evidence.

Examples:

• The word "unicorn" is sometimes interpreted as deriving from the Latin "unicornis," meaning "one-horned," despite the fact that the actual etymology is from the Old Greek "monokeros," meaning "single-horned."
• The name "America" was falsely believed to come from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who was thought to have discovered it, although it actually derives from the Native American word "Amec Aequi," meaning "land of the Algonquin people."

Consequences:

Desiderative etymologies can be misleading and can obscure the true origin and meaning of words. They can also perpetuate misconceptions or false narratives.

Importance:

While desiderative etymologies have no scientific value, they can sometimes provide insights into the beliefs and motivations of individuals or groups who create them. They can also illustrate how words can be manipulated to support desired interpretations.

desiderative relate terms

• desiderata

  Etymology Desiderata is a Latin word that means things desired It is derived from th

• hasty

  Etymology Late Middle English from Middle English haste hastif from Anglo Norman Fre

• tardy

  Etymology The word tardy comes from the Latin word tardus meaning slow or late

• micturition

  Etymology Latin micturitio micturitionis Greek μικτουρίω miktoúriō

• adolescent

  Etymology The word adolescent comes from the Latin word adolescēns meaning a young

• pomp

  Etymology Latin pompa meaning procession parade Meaning A grand elaborate o

• loop

  Etymology The word loop comes from the Middle English word lope which in turn comes

• ordeal

  Etymology Old English ordæl trial judgment Proto Germanic urðeilz verdict judg

• skill

  Etymology The word skill derives from the Old Norse word skil meaning discernment

• make up

  Etymology Make Old English macian meaning to form create or produce Up Old Eng

• turpitude

  Etymology The word turpitude comes from the Latin word turpitudo meaning ugliness

• utopia

  Etymology Greek ou not topos place Meaning An imagined place with perfec