Which phrase defines etymology?

A. the part of speech of a word
B. the history of a word
C. the pronunciation of a word
D. the spelling of a word

B. the history of a word

B. the history of a word

The correct answer is B. The history of a word.

Etymology refers to the study of the origin and development of words, including their historical and linguistic roots. It involves tracing the origins of words, understanding the changes they have undergone over time, and uncovering their connections with other words in different languages. Etymology can shed light on the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which words originated and evolved. To determine this answer, you would need to have knowledge about the meaning and scope of the term "etymology." An etymology dictionary or a reliable linguistic resource would provide the necessary information to answer this question accurately.