Word Origins by John Ayto
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.
"authoritative and accessible" wwwmantex.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)
John Ayto is an experienced lexicographer and author of many language titles. He is Chief Etymologist on the Bloomsbury English Dictionary.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780713674989 |
| ISBN 10 | 0713674989 |
| Title | Word Origins |
| Author | John Ayto |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing PLC |
| Year published | 2005-10-17 |
| Number of pages | 576 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |