What phrase defines etymology?

The pronunciation of a word
The history of a word
The spelling of the word
The part of speech of a word

The history of a word

The phrase that defines etymology is "the history of a word." Etymology is the study of the origins and development of words, including their meanings and how they have evolved over time. It involves tracing the linguistic roots, changes in form and meaning, and the influences from other languages that have shaped a word's current usage.

The phrase that defines etymology is "the history of a word." Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words, including their historical roots, changes in meaning over time, and how they are related to other words or languages. It involves tracing the evolution of a word from its earliest known usage and exploring the various influences that have shaped its form and meaning. To determine the definition of etymology, one can consult a dictionary or refer to reliable linguistic resources that specialize in the study of word origins.