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Word History

Words of the Year: 1066

Why is pig meat called 'pork' and cow meat called 'beef?' Because English took on a big serving of French words following the Norman Conquest.


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play video title words of the year 1066
Words of the Year: 1066

 

English was never the same after the Norman Conquest

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i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.

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How a Word Gets into the Dictionary

 

What our editors are looking for when they enter words in Merriam-Webster.

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Further vs. Farther

 

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

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Video: Why is there a 'c' in 'indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

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How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?