architect

Where does the word "architect" come from? It comes from Greek arkhitekton, and was adopted directly into English (1560s).

Architect’s story begins in Greek: arkhitekton meant “a chief builder.” Literally chief builder, from arkhi- (chief) and tekton (builder). It reached English by 1560s as architect. Settled as the English word for one who designs buildings. Today, architect means a person who designs buildings and oversees their construction.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient arkhitekton "a chief builder", literally chief builder, from arkhi- (chief) and tekton (builder).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1560s architect "a person who designs buildings", settled as the English word for one who designs buildings.