Origins : a short etymological dictionary of modern English

This etymological dictionary gives the origins of some 20,000 items from the modern English vocabulary, discussing them in groups that make clear the connections between words derived by a variety of routes from originally common stock.As well as giving the answers to questions about the derivation of individual words, it is a fascinating book to browse through, and includes extensive lists of prefixes, suffixes, and elements used in the creation of new vocabulary. Gives the origins of some 20,000 items from modern English vocabulary, discussing them in groups that make clear the connections between words derived by a variety of routes from originally common stock. It is a fascinating book to browse through, since every page points out links with other entries. It is easy to pursue such trails as the longer articles are written as continuous prose clearly divided up into numbered paragraphs and subheadings, and there is a careful system of cross-references. In addition to the main A-Z listing, there are extensive lists of prefixes, suffixes, and elements used in the creation of new vocabulary. Partridge was the author of some three dozen books, mainly on aspects of the English language. Of them all he regarded Origins as his greatest achievement.-- From publisher description This etymological dictionary explains the derivation of over 20,000 of the most common words in modern English, and sets out fascinating connections between whole groups of words not perceived by the non-specialist as related. Book Cover; Half-Title; Title; Copyright; Dedication; Foreword; Contents; How to Use This Dictionary; Abbreviations; The Dictionary; Commentary; A List of Prefixes; A List of Suffixes; Elements; Addenda to Dictionary. This dictionary gives the origins of some 20,000 items from the modern English vocabulary. Words are grouped together and their connections explained. The book also includes lists of prefixes and suffixes. This work is an etymological dictionary of the 12,000 commonest words in modern English.