Etymology Map
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Custom

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a traditional way of behaving

Where does the word "custom" come from? It comes from Latin consuetudo, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
consuetudo
Latin · ancient
"habit, usage"
'com-' plus 'suescere', to become used to
2
Stage 2 of 3
costume
Old French · medieval
"custom, habit"
the same word later gave 'costume', a customary dress
3
Stage 3 of 3
custom
English · 1200s
"habit; duty paid"
'customs' for import duties came from customary tolls
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Read the full story

Custom’s story begins in Latin: consuetudo meant “habit, usage.” 'com-' plus 'suescere', to become used to. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as costume. The same word later gave 'costume', a customary dress. It reached English by 1200s as custom. 'customs' for import duties came from customary tolls. Today, custom means a traditional way of behaving.