Etymology Map
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Emporium

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a large retail store

Where does the word "emporium" come from? It comes from Greek emporion, adopted directly into English (1580s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
emporion
Greek · ancient
"trading place"
Greek, from 'emporos', merchant
2
Stage 2 of 2
emporium
English · 1580s
"trading centre"
later a grand shop
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Emporium’s story begins in Greek: emporion meant “trading place.” Greek, from 'emporos', merchant. It reached English by 1580s as emporium. Later a grand shop. Today, emporium means a large retail store.