Harper's (2016) Online Etymology Dictionary (Etymonline): A Critical Review

Abstract

This paper presents a critical review of Online Etymology Dictionary developed by Douglas Harper (2002–2016). The study is grounded in the author’s extensive research experience using the dictionary as a primary reference source in linguistic investigations conducted since 2011. In particular, the review evaluates the dictionary’s treatment of word origins in relation to the proposed Arabic roots of English and broader Indo-European languages. Drawing on prior studies, including those by Zaidan Jassem (2012–2016), the paper critically examines the methodological approaches, assumptions, and limitations underlying the dictionary’s etymological explanations. The analysis aims to highlight gaps in current etymological interpretations and to propose a more inclusive perspective that considers cross-linguistic influences, especially from Arabic, in the historical development of English and Indo-European vocabularies.

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