Etymology Map
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Glory

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means high renown or honour

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
gloria
Latin · ancient
"fame, renown"
the Latin hymn 'Gloria in excelsis' spread it through the Church
2
Stage 2 of 3
glorie
Old French · medieval
"glory"
also used for the halo of a saint
3
Stage 3 of 3
glory
English · 1200s
"praise, honour"
'glorious' and 'glorify' followed
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Read the full story

Glory’s story begins in Latin: gloria meant “fame, renown.” The Latin hymn 'Gloria in excelsis' spread it through the Church. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as glorie. Also used for the halo of a saint. It reached English by 1200s as glory. 'glorious' and 'glorify' followed. Today, glory means high renown or honour.