Etymology Map
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Excavate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to dig out

Where does the word "excavate" come from? It comes from Latin excavare, adopted directly into English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
excavare
Latin · ancient
"to hollow out"
'ex-' plus 'cavus', hollow
2
Stage 2 of 2
excavate
English · 1590s
"to hollow out"
archaeological 'excavations' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Excavate’s story begins in Latin: excavare meant “to hollow out.” 'ex-' plus 'cavus', hollow. It reached English by 1590s as excavate. Archaeological 'excavations' date from the 1800s. Today, excavate means to dig out.