Etymology Map
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Effort

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means a determined attempt

Where does the word "effort" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin exfortiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1480s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
exfortiare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to show strength"
'ex-' plus 'fortis', strong
2
Stage 2 of 3
esforz
Old French · medieval
"exertion"
a show of strength
3
Stage 3 of 3
effort
English · 1480s
"exertion"
'effortless' dates from the 1700s
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Read the full story

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.