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Where does the word "defiant" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin diffidare, passing through French before entering English (1830s).
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Where does the word "defiant" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin diffidare, passing through French before entering English (1830s).
Defiant’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: diffidare meant “to renounce faith.” 'dis-' plus 'fidus', faithful. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as defiant. Present participle of 'defier', to challenge. It reached English by 1830s as defiant. 'defy' is recorded from the 1300s. Today, defiant means openly resisting.
- Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient diffidare "to renounce faith", 'dis-' plus 'fidus', faithful.
- Stage 2 · French · 1500s defiant "defying", present participle of 'defier', to challenge.
- Stage 3 · English · 1830s defiant "defying", 'defy' is recorded from the 1300s.