Etymology Map
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Envoy

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means a diplomatic messenger

Where does the word "envoy" come from? It comes from Late Latin inviare, passing through French before entering English (1660s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
inviare
Late Latin · ancient
"to send on the way"
'in', on, plus 'via', way
2
Stage 2 of 3
envoyé
French · 1600s
"sent"
past participle, one who is sent
3
Stage 3 of 3
envoy
English · 1660s
"messenger"
the root of 'invoice' too
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Read the full story

Envoy’s story begins in Late Latin: inviare meant “to send on the way.” 'in', on, plus 'via', way. By 1600s, the word had taken hold in French as envoyé. Past participle, one who is sent. It reached English by 1660s as envoy. The root of 'invoice' too. Today, envoy means a diplomatic messenger.