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Where does the word "convenient" come from? It comes from Latin convenire, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).
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Where does the word "convenient" come from? It comes from Latin convenire, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).
Convenient’s story begins in Latin: convenire meant “to come together, to be fitting.” To come together, to be fitting, from com- (together) and venire (to come). Within Latin, it grew into conveniens by ancient. Fitting, suitable, present participle of convenire. It reached English by 1400s as convenient. Settled as the English word for something well suited to one's needs. Today, convenient means fitting in well with one's needs, causing little trouble or effort.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient convenire "to come together, to be fitting", to come together, to be fitting, from com- (together) and venire (to come).
- Stage 2 · Latin · ancient conveniens "fitting, suitable", fitting, suitable, present participle of convenire.
- Stage 3 · English · 1400s convenient "well suited to one's needs, causing little trouble", settled as the English word for something well suited to one's needs.