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Where does the word "effort" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin exfortiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1480s).
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Where does the word "effort" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin exfortiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1480s).
Effort’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: exfortiare meant “to show strength.” 'ex-' plus 'fortis', strong. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as esforz. A show of strength. It reached English by 1480s as effort. 'effortless' dates from the 1700s. Today, effort means a determined attempt.
- Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient exfortiare "to show strength", 'ex-' plus 'fortis', strong.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval esforz "exertion", a show of strength.
- Stage 3 · English · 1480s effort "exertion", 'effortless' dates from the 1700s.