Persian Etymology

This Persian Etymology book is organized as a dictionary where the derivation of each Persian word and the evolution of its meaning from Indo-European root(s) are displayed in simple charts. The derivation paths of words have been pieced together from the information scattered in various etymological references. For clarity, the derivation path of words are displayed graphically in directional charts with minimal amount of English and Persian text. The applied references have been cited for each word. When needed, some poems have also been quoted to document the usage of unfamiliar words.

Persian is an Indo-European language that, throughout its long history, has exchanged many words with Semitic, Turkish and other languages outside the Indo-European group. Therefore, the roots of Persian words from these languages are also included in the derivation charts.

This dictionary includes the etymology of over 3400 Persian words. Their derivation paths pass through some 40 different languages. A word index is provided for each involved language. The original meanings of words, if different from their current usage, are also presented.