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Where does the word "ardent" come from? It comes from Latin ardere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "ardent" come from? It comes from Latin ardere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Ardent’s story begins in Latin: ardere meant “to burn.” The root of 'arson'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as ardant. 'ardent spirits' meant strong distilled liquor. It reached English by 1300s as ardent. 'ardent spirits' meant strong liquor. Today, ardent means very enthusiastic or passionate.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ardere "to burn", the root of 'arson'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval ardant "burning", 'ardent spirits' meant strong distilled liquor.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s ardent "burning", 'ardent spirits' meant strong liquor.