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Where does the word "executive" come from? It comes from Latin exsequi, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
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Where does the word "executive" come from? It comes from Latin exsequi, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).
Executive’s story begins in Latin: exsequi meant “to follow out, to carry out.” The root of 'execute' and 'sequel'. It reached English by 1600s as executive. Formed from execute for a person or branch responsible for carrying out decisions. Today, executive means a senior manager, or the branch of government responsible for carrying out laws.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient exsequi "to follow out, to carry out", the root of 'execute' and 'sequel'.
- Stage 2 · English · 1600s executive "a person or branch responsible for carrying out decisions", formed from execute for a person or branch responsible for carrying out decisions.