Etymology Map
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Degree

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a unit of measure; an academic rank

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
gradus
Latin · ancient
"step"
the root of 'grade', 'gradual' and 'graduate'
2
Stage 2 of 3
degré
Old French · medieval
"step, rank"
'de-' plus 'gré', step
3
Stage 3 of 3
degree
English · 1200s
"step; rank"
academic degrees and angle degrees date from the 1300s
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Read the full story

Degree’s story begins in Latin: gradus meant “step.” The root of 'grade', 'gradual' and 'graduate'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as degré. 'de-' plus 'gré', step. It reached English by 1200s as degree. Academic degrees and angle degrees date from the 1300s. Today, degree means a unit of measure; an academic rank.