Etymology Map
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Factor

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a circumstance that contributes to a result

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

1
Stage 1 of 2
factor
Latin · ancient
"doer, maker"
from 'facere', to do
2
Stage 2 of 2
factor
English · 1400s
"agent"
mathematical 'factors' date from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Factor’s story begins in Latin: factor meant “doer, maker.” From 'facere', to do. It reached English by 1400s as factor. Mathematical 'factors' date from the 1600s. Today, factor means a circumstance that contributes to a result.