Etymology Map
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Agent

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person who acts on behalf of another

Where does the word "agent" come from? It comes from Latin agens, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
agens
Latin · ancient
"doing, acting"
present participle of 'agere', to do
2
Stage 2 of 2
agent
English · 1400s
"one who acts"
secret 'agents' date from the 1600s
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Agent’s story begins in Latin: agens meant “doing, acting.” Present participle of 'agere', to do. It reached English by 1400s as agent. Secret 'agents' date from the 1600s. Today, agent means a person who acts on behalf of another.