Chambers Dictionary of Etymology

by Robert K. Barnhart (Editor), Sol Steinmetz (Editor)

How are the words 'door' German 'Tzr' and Sanskrit 'dvar' related? When did the word Blarney first appear in print? What's the linguistic history of the word 'history'? The Chambers Etymological Dictionary holds all the answers for any person curious about the origins of the words they use, and how these words have changed over time. This fascinating dictionary explores the development of meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of over 25,000 English words. Over 30,000 detailed entries trace words back to their Proto-Germanic or Indo-European roots, and include words borrowed from other languages, as well as the sources and dates of their first recorded use. For many years academics, wordsmiths, crossword lovers, and language enthusiasts of all stripes have turned to this celebrated volume as their reference of choice in lexical matters. First published as the Barnhart Etymological Dictionary, the Chambers Dictionary of Etymology offers a unique combination of approachability and authoritativeness in an accessible single-volume format, making it an essential etymological resource for the expert, and a fascinating reference for the general reader. Sample entry from the Chambers Etymological Dictionary: blarney n. flattering, coaxing talk. 1766, Lady Blarny (for Blarney), a smooth-talking flatterer in Goldsmith's the Vicar of Wakefield, her name being a literary contrivance in allusion to Blarney Stone, a stone in a castle near Cork, Ireland. Anyone kissing the stone is supposed to become skillful in flattering and coaxing. The word is used in its general sense in a letter of Sir Walter Scott (1796).

Genres: Reference, Dictionaries, Language, Nonfiction, Writing, History, Linguistics

1320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Fern Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess putting this here means I have to confess that I do read dictionaries! However this is no ordinary dictionary and my main disappointment with it is that it’s taken me so long to find it (my family wish it had taken longer as they’re fed up of hearing about words!) Really useful for tracing word origins and their development.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One doesn't read this book. It's near my desk and I consult it often.

I would add that the introductions to the book, while short, are informative and helpful as a context for the entries that follow.

I am changing the status to Finished Reading only so that I stop getting emails asking me about my progress. I will be 'reading' this book for as long as I am writing and reading.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are occasionally words that I can't find in here, but most of them are here. The author states clear word etymologies when they are available. But when there is no clear etymology, the best current theories are proposed. A very well-organized and well-researched book. Highly recommended to lovers of words and the English language.

[Crazy Uncle Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent and very useful dictionary. A must have for anyone with an interest in etymology.