Etymology Map
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Ardent

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means very enthusiastic or passionate

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
ardere
Latin · ancient
"to burn"
the root of 'arson'
2
Stage 2 of 3
ardant
Old French · medieval
"burning"
'ardent spirits' meant strong distilled liquor
3
Stage 3 of 3
ardent
English · 1300s
"burning"
'ardent spirits' meant strong liquor
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Read the full story

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.