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Where does the word "final" come from? It comes from Late Latin finalis, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "final" come from? It comes from Late Latin finalis, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Final’s story begins in Late Latin: finalis meant “of the end.” From 'finis', end. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as final. Reached English in the early 1300s; the sporting sense 'final contest' dates from 1880. It reached English by 1300s as final. Sports 'finals' date from the 1800s. Today, final means coming at the end.
- Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient finalis "of the end", from 'finis', end.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval final "final", reached English in the early 1300s; the sporting sense 'final contest' dates from 1880.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s final "last", sports 'finals' date from the 1800s.