etymological

Adjective

etymological (comparative more etymological, superlative most etymological)

1. (not comparable) Of or relating to etymology.
   • But it goes without saying that this etymological argument in and of itself has no significance, since a word taken from a dead language may resultantly assume a meaning independent of its etymology.1877, Vladimir Sergeyevich Solovyov, translated by Valerie Z. Nollan, The Philosophical Principles of Integral Knowledge, Eerdmans, published 2008, →ISBN, page 58
2. (comparable) Consistent with its etymological characteristics (in historical usage or the source language).
   • “Connexion” is the etymological (ie, “correct”) spelling. That is to say, our word is derived from an actual Latin noun, cf. deflexion, inflexion, and reflexion. […] And it might make life easier to abolish the letter “x”. But why should we cut off the fascinating roots of our words? I should carry...2005 April 11, Philip Howard, “Modern Manners”, in The Times, London: News UK, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 17 Apr 2026