conjugal

Where does the word "conjugal" come from? It comes from Latin iungere, passing through Latin before entering English (1500s).

Conjugal’s story begins in Latin: iungere meant “to join.” To join, giving rise to coniunx (spouse, one joined in marriage). Within Latin, it grew into coniugalis by ancient. Of marriage, from coniunx (spouse). It reached English by 1500s as conjugal. Settled as the English word for something relating to marriage. Today, conjugal means relating to marriage or the relationship between a married couple.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient iungere "to join", to join, giving rise to coniunx (spouse, one joined in marriage).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient coniugalis "of marriage", of marriage, from coniunx (spouse).
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s conjugal "relating to marriage or the relationship between spouses", settled as the English word for something relating to marriage.