Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

  • Apple
  • Android
  • Windows Phone
  • Android

To get the free app, enter your email address or mobile phone number.
Download to your computer
Kindle Cloud Reader

Kleins Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language

by
Ernest Klein (Author)
› Visit Amazon's Ernest Klein Page
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author
Are you an author? Learn about Author Central
Ernest Klein (Author)
ISBN-13: 978-0444409300
ISBN-10: 0444409300
Why is ISBN important?
ISBN
This bar-code number lets you verify that you're getting exactly the right version or edition of a book. The 13-digit and 10-digit formats both work.
Scan an ISBN with your phone
Use the Amazon App to scan ISBNs and compare prices.
Trade in your item
Get a $141.49
Gift Card.
Trade in
Learn More
Have one to sell? Sell on Amazon
Free Two-Day Shipping for College Students with Amazon Student Free%20Two-Day%20Shipping%20for%20College%20Students%20with%20Amazon%20Student

Although during the last sixty years philology has attained a high degree of development, looking at the literature available, Etymology appears only to have reached the level of philology at the turn of the century. This dictionary is the first major work of its kind in the 20th century, and as such, embodies the findings of modern philological scholarship. For example, full reference is made to Tocharian, the extinct language rediscovered at the end of the Nineteenth Century which often provides the key to the important transition form between the Old-Indian and the Indo-European group of languages to which English belongs. Several hundred words previously defined as being "of unknown etymology" are fully analyzed.The etymology of words of Semitic origin in the English language is given, the transliteration of Semitic words is based on a concept which renders exactly every consonant, vowel and diacritical sign. Hybrids are not only referred to, but in many cases a new, correctly formed word is suggested. Special attention is paid to loan translations (important elements in the cultural interrelationship between the nations) especially in regard to their passage from one language to another. The dictionary also provides the etymologies of proper and mythological names. Exhaustive cross-referencing, allows the reader to trace all words derived from one and the same base.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Aside from its outstanding value and importance to students of linguistics, Dr. Klein's work is a source of fascinating reading and browsing to anyone with an interest in language.
The American Translators Association Chronicle --The American Translators Association Chronicle
NO_CONTENT_IN_FEATURE

Product Details

Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsThe Finest English Language Etymological Dictionary
By A Customer on June 9, 2000
Format: Hardcover
About 30 years ago I visited the late Dr Klein at his Synagogue in Toronto where he translated some historical documents for me. I was very impressed by his ability to identify and interpret the nuances of meaning within the historical context, and also of his profound understanding of linguistics. Dr Klein possessed a quiet unassuming brilliance that shines through on every page of this dictionary. This Dictionary is an exhaustive and detailed etymology, with scholarship unrivalled in English. Consider Dr. Klein's potential competitors for best English language etymology: IMHO, they are Barnhardt's Etymology (aka the new Chalmers D of E), Onion's Oxford Etymology, Weekley's Concise and a number of engaging shorter etymologies by Room, Hendrickson, Ayto and Morris. Each of the competing etymologies approaches the task of creating a concise English language etymology from very different perspectives. So, as a consumer searching for the best work you should first consider what specific etymological requirements you have. (For example, the Barnhardt/Chalmers is unsurpassed with its treatment of American English. In contrast, the Onion Oxford extracts etymology from the OED and provides a chronology of development whereas Morris and Ayto provide considerably smaller though more approachable word list, etc). NOW, if you are wondering what makes KLEIN's etymology the best for all purposes, here's my take. First, consider Dr Klein's perspective. He states that he is dealing "with the origin of words and their sense development thus illustrating the history of civilization and culture". A lofty vision that Klein achieves with ease. Second, Klein's work exhibits the absolute highest level of scholarship and academic focus.Read more ›
Comment 146 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsFine reference but a bit pricey...
By A Customer on August 15, 2002
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
Dr. Klein's work is indeed the product of a real scholar and is a most useful etymology. The book is well-bound (signature-sewn) with a bonded-leather hardcover. The entries are incisive and many provide information not found in other such tomes.
However, I feel that the price is very, very steep compared to such top-rate etymologies as Chambers, etc.
The book is definitely worthwhile to own, if you can stretch your book-buying budget enough (mine cried "ouch", but I bought it anyway). Well, we are on this earth only once, I suppose. =)
Comment 23 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse
5.0 out of 5 starsThe ultimate etymological dictionary of English
By Elliott B. Urdang, MD on December 27, 2012
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
Brilliant, fascinating, profoundly erudite. A wonderful discovery, with Klein's deep philological discussions, cross references, emphasizes Tocharian and the Semitic languages
Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback...
Thank you for your feedback.
Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again
Report abuse

There's a problem loading this menu right now.

Learn more about Amazon Prime.