Etymology Map
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Council

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means an advisory or administrative body

Where does the word "council" come from? It comes from Latin concilium, passing through Old French before entering English (1100s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
concilium
Latin · ancient
"assembly"
'com-', together, plus 'calare', to call
2
Stage 2 of 3
concile
Old French · medieval
"assembly"
church councils
3
Stage 3 of 3
council
English · 1100s
"assembly"
confused with 'counsel' for centuries
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Read the full story

Council’s story begins in Latin: concilium meant “assembly.” 'com-', together, plus 'calare', to call. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as concile. Church councils. It reached English by 1100s as council. Confused with 'counsel' for centuries. Today, council means an advisory or administrative body.