Etymology Map
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Cure

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a remedy that heals an illness

Where does the word "cure" come from? It comes from Latin cura, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
cura
Latin · ancient
"care, concern"
the root of 'curate', 'curious' and 'accurate'
2
Stage 2 of 3
cure
Old French · medieval
"care, treatment"
a priest's 'cure of souls' was his spiritual care
3
Stage 3 of 3
cure
English · 1300s
"medical treatment"
the sense 'successful remedy' grew later
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Read the full story

Cure’s story begins in Latin: cura meant “care, concern.” The root of 'curate', 'curious' and 'accurate'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as cure. A priest's 'cure of souls' was his spiritual care. It reached English by 1300s as cure. The sense 'successful remedy' grew later. Today, cure means a remedy that heals an illness.