Dec 17, 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.

"facts of the origin and development of a word," from Old French etimologie, ethimologie… See origin and meaning of etymology.

etymology late 14c., ethimolegia "facts of the origin and development of a word," from Old French etimologie, ethimologie (14c., Modern French étymologie), from Latin etymologia, from Greek …

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of word," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed January 5, 2026, https://www.etymonline.com/word/word. Copy

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of compassion," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed January 6, 2026, https://www.etymonline.com/word/compassion. Copy

Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of belief." Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/belief. Accessed 6 January, 2026. Copy

"foolish, ignorant, frivolous, senseless," from Old French nice (12c.) "careless, clumsy;… See origin and meaning of nice.

Harper Douglas, "Etymology of America," Online Etymology Dictionary, accessed January 5, 2026, https://www.etymonline.com/word/America. Copy

Harper, Douglas. "Etymology of alcohol." Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/alcohol. Accessed 6 January, 2026. Copy

However, popular etymology among the later ancients (Servius, Lactantius, Augustine) and the interpretation of many modern writers connects it with religare "to bind fast" (see rely), via the …