ALTER (Is this an English word of Greek origin ???)

[Neos]

Some people say that alter derives from αλλότεÏ￾Ï￾ος (allotterοs ), which is the Aeolic form of αλλότÏ￾ιος (allotrios ) [foreign, different, one as different from another]. See: http://ewonago.blogspot.com/

Some other say that alter is a combination of the Greek words άλλος + έτεÏ￾ος (allos+eteros) (other, different, oposite).

Finally, others say that alter is just the Latin word alter.

Is there another theory?
What do you think?

[annis]

The best authority for these questions is the OED:

a. 14th c. Fr. altére-r (Pr. or It. alterar) ad. med.L. altera-re, f. alter other.

So it's from a late Latin verb built upon alter.

As with so much Latinate vocabulary in English, this word got filtered through French first.

[Lucus Eques]

Neos, I appreciate that you have given consideration to my critique. This is good. Open mindness is extremely important.

I would like you to consider something else: what is the source for these interpretations of etymology? You say here that, perhaps there is one of two direct Greek origins for "alter," for example, or a Latin origin. I insist (as I believe will the majority insist) that the Latin origin is the correct one.

How do I know this?

It is the source of my understanding. I can cite this reference from Webster (and countless others, including Latin dictionaries) that demonstrate the origin of "alter" :

*** http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alter
Main entry: al·ter
Pronunciation:
\ˈȯl-tər\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
al·tered; al·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Etymology:
Middle English, from Medieval Latin alterare, from Latin alter other (of two); akin to Latin alius other — more at else
Date:
14th century
transitive verb
1 : to make different without changing into something else
2 : castrate, spay
intransitive verb
: to become different
***

This source and others confirm my "theory." What references (published, mind you, and formal) confirm your theory?

[Neos]

Thank you for your constructive comments and your polite manners.
Best regard
John Neos

[IreneY]

I am sorry but I can't be polite to someone who makes a mockery of linguistics, shames Greeks and tells the world that there were people who had no word for i.e. "milk" until they got it from the Greeks I suppose. Or changed the word they had and adopted a word derived from the Greek.

[Amadeus]

I am sorry but I can't be polite

Sure you can! You just have to try a little harder! lol Remember the old saying about the flies and the honey and vinegar?

[IreneY]

Doesn't really work in this case and, in any case, I really can't. I lost my patience with such people long ago you see. It's sad.

[Lucus Eques]

Actually, Irene, I think he might have been genuinely thanking me for being polite. I hope I was polite anyway. It wasn't a sarcastic jibe at you, I don't think.