wordDNA: Etymology Dictionary

Every word has a story. Discover its DNA. Why does "goodbye" come from "God be with ye"? How did "nightmare" get its name? And what do seemingly unrelated English words have in common? Discover the fascinating history hidden inside everyday language with wordDNA, an etymology dictionary designed for curious minds. Whether you're a language enthusiast, a writer, a student, or simply someone who loves discovering where words come from, wordDNA makes exploring English etymology intuitive and enjoyable. EXPLORE WORD ORIGINS Look up English words and discover their origins, historical meanings, and linguistic connections. Follow the evolution of words across languages and centuries, from Latin and Greek to modern English. UNDERSTAND WORD STRUCTURE Explore how prefixes, roots, and suffixes contribute to word meanings. Discover the building blocks of English vocabulary and understand how words are formed. DISCOVER THREE WORDS EVERY DAY A little curiosity goes a long way. Explore three carefully selected words each day, accompanied by illustrations and interesting linguistic insights. Turn a few spare moments into a daily journey through language. YOUR PERSONAL WORD COLLECTION Save interesting words, build your own vocabulary collections, and revisit the words that catch your attention. Keep your favorite discoveries close at hand. LEARN IN YOUR OWN LANGUAGE Explore English words with definitions in English, Chinese, or Japanese. Choose your preferred dictionary language for free, or unlock all available languages with wordDNA Plus. GO FURTHER WITH WORDDNA PLUS Unlock additional features designed for deeper exploration: • Access all dictionary languages • Switch freely between English, Chinese, and Japanese definitions • Download complete offline dictionaries • Enjoy additional premium learning features A DICTIONARY FOR THE CURIOUS Language is full of surprises. Behind every familiar word lies a story of history, culture, and human imagination. Start exploring with wordDNA. Discover the stories behind the words.