Words · meanings · histories

Look up a word. Follow its history.

See its meaning first, then explore how it changed, travelled, and connects to other languages. Sources are available for each reviewed claim.

Sources reviewed

茶 chá中文

teaEnglish

théFrançais · Deutsch: Tee

The dictionary compares English tea with provincial Chinese te, but it does not identify the word’s intermediate route.

Four interface languagesEnglish · 中文 · Français · Deutsch

From answer to evidenceRead the definition, follow a connection, then inspect its sources.

Sources stay attachedCompeting explanations are shown separately instead of being blended.

Featured paths

Choose a word and follow its history.

Each path explains one relationship at a time and keeps the source close.

Sources reviewedThe drink crossed seas; the word’s route stays open

The dictionary compares English tea with provincial Chinese te, but it does not identify the word’s intermediate route.

te→tea

Sources reviewedHow computer first named a calculator

Sources reviewedAn older English form survives

How it works

The main view stays simple. Linguistic detail is available when it helps explain a connection.

See the relevant sense, pronunciation, language, and usage first.

Expand a curated route one step at a time without losing your place.

See the relationship, evidence status, source trail, and uncertainty behind a connection.

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