Etymology Map
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Bounty

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a reward; generosity

Where does the word "bounty" come from? It comes from Latin bonitas, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
bonitas
Latin · ancient
"goodness"
from 'bonus', good
2
Stage 2 of 3
bonté
Old French · medieval
"goodness"
generosity
3
Stage 3 of 3
bounty
English · 1200s
"goodness"
'bounty hunters' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Bounty’s story begins in Latin: bonitas meant “goodness.” From 'bonus', good. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as bonté. Generosity. It reached English by 1200s as bounty. 'bounty hunters' date from the 1800s. Today, bounty means a reward; generosity.