Etymology Map
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Facet

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means one side of something

Where does the word "facet" come from? It comes from Latin facies, passing through French before entering English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
facies
Latin · ancient
"face, form"
the root of 'face'
2
Stage 2 of 3
facette
French · 1600s
"little face"
a diminutive of 'face'
3
Stage 3 of 3
facet
English · 1620s
"cut face of a gem"
'facet' of an issue dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Facet’s story begins in Latin: facies meant “face, form.” The root of 'face'. By 1600s, the word had taken hold in French as facette. A diminutive of 'face'. It reached English by 1620s as facet. 'facet' of an issue dates from the 1800s. Today, facet means one side of something.