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Where does the word "diploma" come from? It comes from Greek diploma, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
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Where does the word "diploma" come from? It comes from Greek diploma, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
Diploma’s story begins in Greek: diploma meant “a folded official document.” Literally a folded paper, an official document folded in two. It reached English by 1600s as diploma. Settled as the word for a certificate of achievement. Today, diploma means a certificate awarded for completing a course of study.
- Stage 1 · Greek · ancient diploma "a folded official document", literally a folded paper, an official document folded in two.
- Stage 2 · English · 1600s diploma "a certificate of academic achievement", settled as the word for a certificate of achievement.