It depends on what you're looking for!
* General Word Origin Search: You usually don't need "a" in front of the word when searching for origins. Just type in the word itself (e.g., "happy," "tree," "love") and search on resources like:
* Online Etymology Dictionary (OED): [https://www.etymonline.com/](https://www.etymonline.com/)
* Merriam-Webster Dictionary: [https://www.merriam-webster.com/](https://www.merriam-webster.com/)
* Oxford English Dictionary (OED): [https://www.oed.com/](https://www.oed.com/) (subscription required for full access)
* Specific Word Part: If you're looking for the origin of a specific part of a word (like a prefix or suffix), "a" can be useful:
* "a-" prefix: Search for "a-" to find words that start with this prefix (e.g., "asymptomatic," "atypical")
* "-ing" suffix: Search for "-ing" to find words that end with this suffix (e.g., "running," "singing," "thinking")
Examples:
* "What is the origin of the word 'happy'?" Just search for "happy."
* "What does the prefix 'a-' mean?" Search for "a-."
Let me know if you have a specific word or word part in mind, and I can help you find its origin!