THE ORIGIN OF WORDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12213, 7 March 1903, Page 3

THE ORIGIN OF WORDS.

The etymologies which "The Century Dio tionary and Cyclopedia and Atlas" so clearly presents are full of interest. The history of English words is the history not only of the English people, but of the whole human race. It is full of romance and of humour. It is in itself one of the most delightful branches of history, and it is certainly the most useful. , .

The story of the origin of a word not only 'throws light upon the use of the word, but also, adds a new delight to the pleasure of reading. A comedy amuses -us because of its succession of unexpected incidents; a witty simile, a droll association of ■ ideas makes us laugh, because we are delighted to find a surprise lurking under the commonplace things of life. The new .jests,- like the old, are only elaborate forms of the "jack-in-the-box which makes the child laugh because it appears with so quaint a suddenness. And the history of words is full of surprises which afford. solid instruction as well as amusement. The whole story' of the language is a story of change and development, and : the study of these changes is one ■of the most profitable as well as one of the most agreeable pursuits to which one's leisure hours can be devoted. The tables of synonyms in " The Century" are of great use to a class who would nevet use a special dictionary of synonyms. ' The scrupulous use of the best possible word' is, / in most cases, a victory over the writer's normal indolence. And if the mere mechanical labour of : consulting a special handbook be added to tho existing vires inertias, > the next best word is more than likely to survive the half-hearted attempt to replace it by the very best. When one has "The Century"--at' hand, synonyms, quotations, and all ; the other tools of the writers' craft' stand marshal led under one alphabetisation, ready to render their services. / The 10 ; royal octavo volumes are a complete library for everv Tfi" 3 T!7 a ,s ic^ Cyclopedia, and Atlas of . the World. It must be remembered, however, . that the present Times offer of over 40 pier cent, discount is not, like the poor, always with us. • .