Final answer:
To find the origin of a word, you should use a dictionary, which provides not only definitions and pronunciations but also the etymology of each word.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you're looking to find the origin of a word, you would use a dictionary. Unlike a thesaurus, which provides synonyms and antonyms for words, or a homograph which refers to words that have the same spelling but different meanings, a dictionary provides definitions, pronunciations, usage examples, and word origins or etymologies. Understanding the history and evolution of words, such as the transition of certain spellings or meanings through time, is essential for a deeper comprehension of language. For example, the word queer has changed in meaning significantly over the centuries, which is documented in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).