Etymology Map
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Basilica

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a large oblong church

Where does the word "basilica" come from? It comes from Greek basilikē, adopted directly into English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
basilikē
Greek · ancient
"royal hall"
Greek, from 'basileus', king
2
Stage 2 of 2
basilica
English · 1540s
"royal hall"
Roman law courts became the model for early churches
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Basilica’s story begins in Greek: basilikē meant “royal hall.” Greek, from 'basileus', king. It reached English by 1540s as basilica. Roman law courts became the model for early churches. Today, basilica means a large oblong church.