recursive etymology

Recursive Etymology

Recursive etymology is the process by which a word's etymology (its origin and history) refers back to itself. This can occur when:

• A word is derived from itself: For example, the word "recursive" is derived from the Latin "recursus," which means "to return" or "to run back." The etymology of "recursus" is itself derived from the Latin verb "recurro," which means "to run back."
• A word's etymology refers to its own etymology: For example, the word "etymology" is derived from the Greek "etymon," which means "true meaning." The etymology of "etymon" is itself derived from the Greek word "etymos," which means "true."

Meaning and Origin of "Recursive Etymology"

• Meaning: The process by which a word's etymology refers back to itself.
• Origin: The term "recursive etymology" was first coined in the early 20th century by German linguist Hermann Paul.

Examples of Recursive Etymology

• Dyadic: Derives from the Greek "dyas" (two), which in turn derives from the Indo-European root "duwo" (two).
• Palindrome: Comes from the Greek "palindromos," meaning "running back," which in turn derives from the verb "palintropos" (running back).
• Tautology: From the Greek "tautos" (the same), which is itself derived from the Indo-European root "tew" (this).
• Etymology: From the Greek "etymon" (true meaning), which derives from the Greek word "etymos" (true).

Significance of Recursive Etymology

Recursive etymology can provide insights into the history and evolution of language. It can help linguists understand how words have developed over time and how they have acquired their current meanings. Additionally, it can be a source of amusement and intellectual curiosity.

recursive relate terms

• recur

  Etymology The word recur comes from the Latin word recurro which means to run back

• 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

• virtue

  Etymology Latin virtus Proto Indo European u̯ir meaning man hero Meaning

• spare

  Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

• parliament

  Etymology The word parliament comes from the Old French word parlement which is der

• power

  Etymology Old French pouer Latin potere to be able Proto Indo European root pot

• brand

  Brand Etymology Meaning and Origin Etymology The word brand derives from the Old Nor

• retrieve

  Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek word etymos which means true

• primitive

  Etymology Latin primitivus Primus first ivus having the character of Mea

• instinct

  Etymology Old French instinct Latin instinctus Past participle of instinguere

• capital

  Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim