Question

A branch of linguistics that concerns with the history and origin of words is

• A. etymology
• B. phonology
• C. syntax
• D. semantics

Answer 1

Answer:

A. etymology

Etymology: The Study of Word Origins

What is Etymology?

• Etymology is the branch of linguistics that studies the origin and historical development of words.
• It traces how words have changed in form and meaning over time, from their earliest known sources.

Key Aspects of Etymology:

• Root Words: Etymologists examine the base or root words from which other words are derived.
• Affixes: The study includes prefixes (added to the beginning) and suffixes (added to the end) and their role in word formation.
• Loanwords: Etymology investigates words borrowed from other languages and how they have been assimilated.
• Semantic Change: It explains how the meaning of words can shift, broaden, narrow, or even reverse over centuries.

Importance in Competitive Exams:

• Vocabulary Building: Understanding etymology significantly enhances vocabulary by revealing the underlying structure and meaning of unfamiliar words.
• Comprehension: Knowledge of word roots, prefixes, and suffixes aids in comprehending complex texts and deciphering the meaning of new words encountered.
• English Literature and Language: Many questions in English Literature and Language sections of competitive exams test the understanding of word origins, literary terms, and vocabulary derived from classical languages (Latin and Greek).
• Example: The word 'benevolent' comes from Latin 'bene' (well) and 'volere' (to wish), meaning 'to wish well'. Knowing this helps in understanding related words like 'beneath' and 'volunteer'.
• Roots in Classical Languages: A substantial portion of English vocabulary has roots in Latin and Greek. For instance, 'telephone' combines Greek 'tele' (far) and 'phone' (sound).