candle

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

Candle’s story begins in Latin: candela meant “candle.” From 'candere', to shine. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old English as candel. One of the first church words borrowed by the Anglo-Saxons. It reached English by 1200s as candle. 'can't hold a candle to' dates from the 1600s. Today, candle means a wax stick with a wick burned for light.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient candela "candle", from 'candere', to shine.
2. Stage 2 · Old English · medieval candel "candle", one of the first church words borrowed by the Anglo-Saxons.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s candle "candle", 'can't hold a candle to' dates from the 1600s.