Etymology Map
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Fortitude

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means courage in pain

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

1
Stage 1 of 2
fortitudo
Latin · ancient
"strength"
from 'fortis', strong
2
Stage 2 of 2
fortitude
English · 1400s
"strength"
one of the four cardinal virtues
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Read the full story

Fortitude’s story begins in Latin: fortitudo meant “strength.” From 'fortis', strong. It reached English by 1400s as fortitude. One of the four cardinal virtues. Today, fortitude means courage in pain.