Etymology Map
Back to all words

Apprentice

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person learning a trade from a skilled employer

Where does the word "apprentice" come from? It comes from Latin apprehendere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
apprehendere
Latin · ancient
"to seize, learn"
'ad-' plus 'prehendere', to seize
2
Stage 2 of 3
aprentis
Old French · medieval
"learner"
one who is learning a trade
3
Stage 3 of 3
apprentice
English · 1300s
"learner"
medieval guilds bound apprentices for seven years
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Apprentice’s story begins in Latin: apprehendere meant “to seize, learn.” 'ad-' plus 'prehendere', to seize. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as aprentis. One who is learning a trade. It reached English by 1300s as apprentice. Medieval guilds bound apprentices for seven years. Today, apprentice means a person learning a trade from a skilled employer.