orthographic etymology

Etymology:

• Ortho- (Greek): Straight, correct, regular
• Graph- (Greek): Writing, drawing

Meaning:

Orthographic etymology refers to the study of the origin and development of words based on their written forms, rather than their spoken sounds.

Origin:

The term "orthographic etymology" was first used by the French philologist Gaston Paris in the 19th century. He proposed that researchers should not only examine the phonetic changes in words over time, but also their orthographic evolution.

Concept:

Orthographic etymology assumes that the spelling of words can provide insights into their historical development. Changes in spelling over time can reflect changes in pronunciation, morphology, and even social and cultural influences.

Methods:

Orthographic etymology involves comparing different written forms of a word across time and across different languages. Researchers examine changes in spelling patterns, the addition or deletion of letters, and the use of different orthographic conventions.

Significance:

Orthographic etymology is a valuable tool for understanding the history and evolution of languages and words. It can help researchers:

• Trace the development of words from their earliest known forms to modern usage.
• Identify the influence of foreign languages and cultures on the spelling and pronunciation of words.
• Reconstruct the pronunciation of words in earlier periods of time when recordings were not available.
• Determine the origins and relationships between different words and languages.

Examples:

• The English word "knight" is derived from the Middle English word "cniht," which in turn comes from the Old English word "cniht," meaning "servant" or "boy." The spelling "knight" reflects the influence of the French word "chevalier," which was borrowed into English during the Norman Conquest.
• The word "psychology" is derived from the Greek word "psyche," meaning "soul," and "-logy," meaning "study of." The spelling "psychology" reflects the influence of the Latin word "psychologia," which was used by Roman writers to refer to the study of the soul.

orthographic relate terms

• graphic

  Graphic Etymology Graphic etymology refers to the study of the origins and development of

• orthography

  Etymology ortho Greek right correct graphe Greek writing Meaning Orth

• ortho

  Etymology From Late Latin orthus orthum the Greek ὀρθός orthós meaning str

• finicky

  Etymology Origin Late Middle English adjective perhaps ultimately from Frankish fini

• thane

  Etymology of Thane The word thane is derived from the Old English term thegn whic

• emancipate

  Etymology Latin emancipare to release a child from parental authority Latin root

• corner

  Etymology The word corner comes from the Old French word corn which in turn comes fr

• sandwich

  Etymology The word sandwich is believed to have originated in the late 18th century It

• abrupt

  Etymology From Latin abruptus participle of abrumpere meaning to break off or

• philosophy

  Etymology The word philosophy is derived from the Greek words philo φίλο meani