double

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

Double’s story begins in Latin: duplus meant “twofold.” Twofold, from duo (two). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as duble. Carried into French for something twice as much. It reached English by 1200s as double. Settled as the English word for twice the amount or size. Today, double means twice the amount, size, or number of something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient duplus "twofold", twofold, from duo (two).
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval duble "twice as much", carried into French for something twice as much.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s double "twice the amount, size, or number", settled as the English word for twice the amount or size.