grace

Where does the word "grace" come from? It comes from Latin gratia, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).

Grace’s story begins in Latin: gratia meant “favour, thanks.” 'favour, thanks'; the three Graces, the goddesses of charm, were the Gratiae. It reached English by 1200s as grace. Via Old French grace, used above all for God's unearned favour; 'Your Grace' addressed English kings until Henry VIII's time, when 'Majesty' took over, and dukes and archbishops kept it. Today, grace means elegance of movement; courteous goodwill; God's favour; a prayer before a meal.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · classical gratia "favour, thanks", 'favour, thanks'; the three Graces, the goddesses of charm, were the Gratiae.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1200s grace "elegance; favour; prayer", via Old French grace, used above all for God's unearned favour; 'Your Grace' addressed English kings until Henry VIII's time, when 'Majesty' took over, and dukes and archbishops kept it.