colleague

Where does the word "colleague" come from? It comes from Latin collega, passing through French before entering English (1520s).

Colleague’s story begins in Latin: collega meant “partner in office.” 'com-' plus 'legare', to appoint. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as collegue. Latin 'collega' was a partner sent with the same commission, from 'legare', to send as a deputy. It reached English by 1520s as colleague. 'college' shares the root. Today, colleague means a person one works with.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient collega "partner in office", 'com-' plus 'legare', to appoint.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s collegue "colleague", Latin 'collega' was a partner sent with the same commission, from 'legare', to send as a deputy.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1520s colleague "partner in office", 'college' shares the root.