etymologicallyadv.
/ˌɛtᵻməˈlɒdʒᵻkli/, U.S. /ˌɛdəməˈlɑdʒək(ə)li/ In an etymological manner; with regard to or in terms of etymology; according to etymological principles.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > linguistics > other schools of linguistics > [adverb] > etymology
etymologicallya1604
a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 16 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) Divers writers haue diversly delivered the originall name of the land, some corruptly, some poetically, some etymologically.
1648 J. Mason Princeps Rhetoricus 18 Then the Declamers ex tempore deliver their Cap-verdit Etymologically.
1727 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. II Etymologically,..by Way of Etymology.
1798 W. Taylor in J. W. Robberds Mem. W. Taylor (1843) I. 229 I try..to use no words of which I cannot etymologically defend the application.
1809 S. Smith Wks. (1859) I. 169/1 Latin and Greek have now mixed themselves etymologically with all the languages of modern Europe.
1860 E. B. Pusey Minor Prophets 522 The Devil, etymologically, the accuser.
1878 M. Foster Text Bk. Physiol. (ed. 2) iii. i. 390 Such a use of the word is..etymologically incorrect.
1906 Sci. Amer. 29 Dec. 487/1 Air-plane is a much better word than aeroplane. It is as good etymologically, and much better when it is spoken.
1963 M. W. Bloomfield & L. Newmark Ling. Introd. Hist. Eng. 366 Etymologically considered, mortician (connected with the French word mort meaning 'death') is less euphemistic than undertaker.
2002 B. Kent in S. J. Pope Ethics of Aquinas 117/1 Latin authors tended to use the word habitus for the Greek hexis—an etymologically sound translation.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adv.a1604