document

Where does the word "document" come from? It comes from Latin docere, passing through Latin and Old French before entering English (1400s).

Document’s story begins in Latin: docere meant “to teach.” The root of 'docile', 'doctor' and 'doctrine'. Within Latin, it grew into documentum by ancient. A lesson, an example, proof, from docere. From there it passed into Old French as document by medieval. Carried into French for a piece of written evidence. It reached English by 1400s as document. Settled as the English word for an official written or printed record. Today, document means an official written, printed, or electronic record providing information or evidence.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient docere "to teach", the root of 'docile', 'doctor' and 'doctrine'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient documentum "a lesson, proof", a lesson, an example, proof, from docere.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval document "a piece of written evidence", carried into French for a piece of written evidence.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1400s document "an official written or printed record", settled as the English word for an official written or printed record.