Etymology Map
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Affection

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a gentle feeling of fondness

Where does the word "affection" come from? It comes from Latin affectio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
affectio
Latin · ancient
"disposition"
from 'afficere', to act upon, the root of 'affect'
2
Stage 2 of 3
affection
Old French · medieval
"inclination, feeling"
any state of mind produced by influence
3
Stage 3 of 3
affection
English · 1200s
"feeling"
first recorded around 1225 in the 'Ancrene Riwle', a guide for anchoresses; narrowed to fond love by the 1300s
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Read the full story

Affection’s story begins in Latin: affectio meant “disposition.” From 'afficere', to act upon, the root of 'affect'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as affection. Any state of mind produced by influence. It reached English by 1200s as affection. First recorded around 1225 in the 'Ancrene Riwle', a guide for anchoresses; narrowed to fond love by the 1300s. Today, affection means a gentle feeling of fondness.