What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
etymon
Example
The etymon of the word 'telephone' is the Greek words 'tele' meaning 'far' and 'phone' meaning 'sound'. [etymon: noun]
Example
The etymological study of languages can reveal the evolution of words over time. [etymon: adjective]
source
Example
The source of the river is in the mountains. [source: noun]
Example
The article cited several sources to support its claims. [source: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Source is more commonly used than etymon in everyday language. Source is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while etymon is less common and is primarily used in linguistic or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between etymon and source?
Etymon is typically associated with a more technical or academic tone, while source can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
