Etymology Map
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Fine

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means of high quality; a penalty payment

Where does the word "fine" come from? It comes from Latin finis, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
finis
Latin · ancient
"end, limit"
the same root as 'finish' and 'finale'
2
Stage 2 of 3
fin
Old French · medieval
"end; payment"
a payment settling a matter
3
Stage 3 of 3
fine
English · 1200s
"end; settlement"
the adjective 'fine', excellent, grew from 'finished, perfected'
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Read the full story

Fine’s story begins in Latin: finis meant “end, limit.” The same root as 'finish' and 'finale'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as fin. A payment settling a matter. It reached English by 1200s as fine. The adjective 'fine', excellent, grew from 'finished, perfected'. Today, fine means of high quality; a penalty payment.