Etymology Map
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Diagram

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a simplified drawing

Where does the word "diagram" come from? It comes from Greek diagramma, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
diagramma
Greek · ancient
"figure drawn by lines"
Greek, 'dia-', through, plus 'graphein', to write
2
Stage 2 of 2
diagram
English · 1610s
"geometric figure"
'Venn diagram' dates from 1880
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Read the full story

Diagram’s story begins in Greek: diagramma meant “figure drawn by lines.” Greek, 'dia-', through, plus 'graphein', to write. It reached English by 1610s as diagram. 'Venn diagram' dates from 1880. Today, diagram means a simplified drawing.