Etymology Map
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Fabulous

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means extraordinary; legendary

Where does the word "fabulous" come from? It comes from Latin fabulosus, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
fabulosus
Latin · ancient
"celebrated in fable"
from 'fabula', story
2
Stage 2 of 2
fabulous
English · 1400s
"legendary"
the casual sense 'marvellous' dates from the 1600s
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Fabulous’s story begins in Latin: fabulosus meant “celebrated in fable.” From 'fabula', story. It reached English by 1400s as fabulous. The casual sense 'marvellous' dates from the 1600s. Today, fabulous means extraordinary; legendary.