Historical Linguistics Vocabulary

noun the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history

• The study of the etymology of words can provide insight into the history of language.
• I find it fascinating to learn about the etymology of different words and how they have evolved over time.
• I never realized how cool the etymology of slang words could be until I started looking into it.
• Understanding the etymology of a concept can help us trace its origins and development.

noun OE is a noun that refers to Old English, the early form of the English language spoken in parts of what is now England and southern Scotland between the mid-5th century and the mid-12th century.

adjective OE can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to or characteristic of Old English.

• OE stands for 'Operating Expense' in business accounting.
• I need to keep track of my OE to make sure I stay within budget.
• My boss always complains about the high OE in our department.
• The OE of the situation was the lack of communication between team members.

noun a condition of confusion or disorientation

verb to make someone confused or disoriented

• The lack of evidence left the investigation in an adle state.
• I can't think straight, my mind is all adle.
• She was so drunk, she was completely adle.
• The confusion in his mind left him feeling adle.

noun a type of ancient Greek music scale

adjective relating to the ancient Greek music scale

• The aeoline harp produces a beautiful, ethereal sound.
• I love the sound of the aeoline harp, it's so soothing.
• That aeoline harp is lit, man.
• Her voice was like an aeoline harp, enchanting everyone who heard it.