Etymology Map
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Candle

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a wax stick with a wick burned for light

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

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

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.