## Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter sets the stage for the book by providing an overview of English etymology, the study of word origins. It discusses the challenges of reconstructing word histories and the different sources of evidence that can be used, such as comparative linguistics, historical documents, and archaeological data.
Real Example: The word "etymology" itself comes from the Greek words "etymon," meaning "true sense," and "logos," meaning "word." This hints at the idea that knowing the true sense of a word can help us understand where it came from and how it has evolved over time.
## Chapter 2: Indo-European Roots
This chapter explores the roots of English words in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) language, the ancestor of most European languages. It discusses the sound changes and grammatical developments that have occurred in English since its PIE origins.
Real Example: The English word "father" is cognate with the Latin word "pater," the Sanskrit word "pita," and the Greek word "pater." This suggests that all of these words derive from a common PIE root, *pəter-, meaning "father."
## Chapter 3: Latin and Greek Loanwords
This chapter examines the large number of loanwords that have entered English from Latin and Greek. It discusses the different periods of borrowing and the various ways in which these words have been adapted to English spelling and pronunciation.
Real Example: The word "philosophy" comes from the Greek word "philosophia," which in turn derives from the Greek words "philos," meaning "love," and "sophia," meaning "wisdom." This word was borrowed into English in the 14th century and has since become a central term in Western intellectual thought.
## Chapter 4: Germanic Influences
This chapter explores the contributions of Germanic languages to English vocabulary. It discusses the vocabulary that was inherited from Old English, as well as the many words that have been borrowed from other Germanic languages, such as Dutch, German, and Swedish.
Real Example: The word "shirt" comes from the Old English word "scyrte," which referred to a loose tunic. This word was later borrowed into Middle English and gradually came to mean the specific garment that we know today.
## Chapter 5: Romance Influences
This chapter examines the influence of Romance languages, particularly French, on English vocabulary. It discusses the large number of words that were borrowed into English during the Norman Conquest and the various ways in which these words have been integrated into the English language.
Real Example: The word "beef" comes from the French word "boeuf," which ultimately derives from the Latin word "bos," meaning "bull." This word was borrowed into English in the 13th century and has since become the common term for the meat of cattle.
## Chapter 6: Modern Influences
This chapter discusses the many words that have entered English in the modern period, from a variety of sources, including other European languages, non-European languages, and scientific and technical fields.
Real Example: The word "computer" is a relatively recent addition to the English language, having been coined in the 1940s. It is derived from the Latin word "computare," meaning "to compute," and reflects the growing importance of digital technology in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
