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Description for Word Origins
paperback. The Hidden Histories of English Words from A to Z. 576 pages, N/A. Laid out in an A-Z format with detailed cross references, and written in a style that is both authoritative and accessible, Word Origins is a valuable historical guide to the English language. Cateogry: (G) General (US: Trade). BIC Classification: 2AB; CB; CFF. Dimension: 231 x 159 x 27. Weight: 850.
The average contemporary English speaker knows 50,000 words. Yet stripped down to its origins, this apparently huge vocabulary is in reality much smaller, derived from Latin, French and the Germanic languages. It is estimated that every year, 800 neologisms are added to the English language: acronyms (nimby), blended words (motel), and those taken from foreign languages (savoir-faire). Laid out in an A-Z format with detailed cross references, and written in a style that is both authoritative and accessible, Word Origins is a valuable historical guide to the English language.
The average contemporary English speaker knows 50,000 words. Yet stripped down to its origins, this apparently huge vocabulary is in reality much smaller, derived from Latin, French and the Germanic languages. It is estimated that every year, 800 neologisms are added to the English language: acronyms (nimby), blended words (motel), and those taken from foreign languages (savoir-faire). Laid out in an A-Z format with detailed cross references, and written in a style that is both authoritative and accessible, Word Origins is a valuable historical guide to the English language.
Product Details
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2005
Publisher
A&C Black
Number of pages
576
Condition
New
Number of Pages
576
Place of Publication
London, United Kingdom
ISBN
9780713674989
SKU
V9780713674989
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 4 to 8 working days
Ref
99-1
About John Ayto
John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.
Reviews for Word Origins
"authoritative and accessible" www.mantex.co.uk/reviews (1 March 2006) "Anyone who enjoys using words will enjoy tracing the ways in which they have developed." Writing Magazine (March 2006) "I've enjoyed it so much ... it is of such a curious nature I can't resist." The Spectator (11 November 2006)