Etymology Map
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Bonus

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an extra payment or benefit

Where does the word "bonus" come from? It comes from Latin bonus, adopted directly into English (1770s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
bonus
Latin · ancient
"good"
the masculine adjective; the proper neuter would be 'bonum'
2
Stage 2 of 2
bonus
English · 1770s
"extra payment"
London Stock Exchange slang, using schoolboy Latin as a joke
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Read the full story

Bonus’s story begins in Latin: bonus meant “good.” The masculine adjective; the proper neuter would be 'bonum'. It reached English by 1770s as bonus. London Stock Exchange slang, using schoolboy Latin as a joke. Today, bonus means an extra payment or benefit.