Etymology Map
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Evident

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means plain or obvious

Where does the word "evident" come from? It comes from Latin evidens, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
evidens
Latin · ancient
"clearly seen"
'e-', out, plus 'videre', to see
2
Stage 2 of 2
evident
English · 1300s
"clear"
'evidence' followed
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Read the full story

Evident’s story begins in Latin: evidens meant “clearly seen.” 'e-', out, plus 'videre', to see. It reached English by 1300s as evident. 'evidence' followed. Today, evident means plain or obvious.