What is the purpose of etymology?

Question

1. to explain the meaning of a word
2. to learn how to spell a word correctly
3. to understand how sounds are produced in language
4. to tell how a word has changed or evolved

Answer 1

The purpose of etymology is primarily 4. to tell how a word has changed or evolved. Etymology studies the history and origin of words, tracing their development over time and how their meanings and forms have transformed.