Apr 7, 2025 · The online etymology dictionary (etymonline) is the internet's go-to source for quick and reliable accounts of the origin and history of English words, phrases, and idioms.

"Etymology" originates from late 14th c. Greek "etymologia," meaning the study of a word's true origin and original meaning.

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of be," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed October 27, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/be. Copy

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of rejoice," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed October 30, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/rejoice. Copy

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of respect," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed October 30, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/respect. Copy

Originating from mid-13th century Anglo-French and Latin roots, the word means faithfulness, trust, loyalty, honesty, and belief.

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of community," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed October 30, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/community. Copy

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of word," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed October 23, 2025, https://www.etymonline.com/word/word. Copy

Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of nigger." Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/nigger. Accessed 30 October, 2025. Copy

Originating in late 14c. from Old French and Late Latin, "transgression" means disobedience to God's law, derived from Latin "to step across" or "go beyond."