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Where does the word "ennui" come from? It comes from Latin in odio, passing through French before entering English (1730s).
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Where does the word "ennui" come from? It comes from Latin in odio, passing through French before entering English (1730s).
Ennui’s story begins in Latin: in odio meant “hateful.” From the Latin phrase 'mihi in odio est'. By 1700s, the word had taken hold in French as ennui. The same word gave 'annoy'. It reached English by 1730s as ennui. Borrowed again from modern French. Today, ennui means listlessness from lack of excitement.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient in odio "hateful", from the Latin phrase 'mihi in odio est'.
- Stage 2 · French · 1700s ennui "boredom", the same word gave 'annoy'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1730s ennui "boredom", borrowed again from modern French.