equity

Where does the word "equity" come from? It comes from Latin aequus, passing through Latin and Old French before entering English (1300s).

Equity’s story begins in Latin: aequus meant “equal, even, fair.” The root of 'equal', 'equation' and 'equator'. Within Latin, it grew into aequitas by ancient. Equality, fairness, from aequus. From there it passed into Old French as equite by medieval. Carried into French for fairness and justice. It reached English by 1300s as equity. Settled as the English word for fairness, or ownership value in property. Today, equity means fairness and justice, or the value of ownership in property after debts are subtracted.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient aequus "equal, even, fair", the root of 'equal', 'equation' and 'equator'.
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient aequitas "equality, fairness", equality, fairness, from aequus.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval equite "fairness and justice", carried into French for fairness and justice.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1300s equity "fairness and justice, or ownership value in property", settled as the English word for fairness, or ownership value in property.