Why Etymology?

We say many words daily without truly knowing their true meaning, or its denotation.  Instead, we use connotations, the shaded or added meaning of a word.  

A sophomore at Howard University asked me the following question: "Although it is great and interesting to study the true meaning of words, but does it matter?  Aren't these definitions archaic since we don't use them in society any longer?  If so, why study etymology?"  

What a great question...it truths we seek are often in the whys versus the whats and hows.

Words are ideas and objects that are expressed and identified by voice (the etymology of word is Germanic; it means to call or speak).  It is true that words are used to convey information; to name a thing; and they can affect the energy and atmosphere around us.  Think about when people ask you to do something.  The way they ask can make the difference between a yes or a no.  In other words, a sweet request carries more weight than an angry demand.  

Thus, another reason to study etymology is to strengthen our understanding of history, culture, civics and law, philosophy, social engineering, physical and chemical sciences, and every other "subject" that we study.  These studies are the building blocks of society.  To study geometry, we must first know that we are studying "the measure of the earth" (geo is earth, metry is measure).  Why study the measure of the earth?  To know ratios and angles between the Earth and various planets and stars.  And they learned ratios and angles to build pyramids and structures that align with the planets and stars.  Ancient cultures used this and other structures to generate energy (the original use of solar power).

By knowing the etymology of geometry, we have unlocked a cultural legacy that shows us 
a) ancient civilizations considered planets and stars before making a decision; 

b) ancient civilizations were more technologically advance than we typically thin; and 

c) one can generate energy by studying geometry and building structures to capture the rays of the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars. 




I encourage everyone, both young and old, to delve deep into the study of etymology so that you may know and stand in truth.