Defining by Etymology

One way to define a word is to examine its origins. For instance, the word circumlocution comes from two Latin words that literally suggest walking around a place. A useful tool for studying the etymology of words is the Oxford English Dictionary or OED, which traces the derivation and history of words, and includes quotations of early uses of the word.

While the etymology of a word can shed light on its meaning, words often evolve and change meaning (Corbett 54).. For instance, in Hamlet, Act I, scene 4, Hamlet is summoned by the ghost of his dead father. When his companions, in fear for his life, try to stop him from following the ghost, Hamlet threatens them, saying "By heaven, I'll make a ghost of him that lets me!" Here, the word let is used to mean to prevent. But our current usage of the word let gives it the complete opposite meaning, to allow. Again, the OED can help students understand the evolution in the meaning of words.

Works Cited

Corbett, Edward, P.J. Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford UP, 1971.

ENGL1010 Composition I