Etymology Map
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Grant

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to give; a sum of money given

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
credentare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to believe, trust"
from 'credere', to believe
2
Stage 2 of 3
graanter
Old French · medieval
"to promise, agree"
Norman French form of 'creanter'
3
Stage 3 of 3
grant
English · 1200s
"to agree"
research 'grants' date from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Grant’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: credentare meant “to believe, trust.” From 'credere', to believe. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as graanter. Norman French form of 'creanter'. It reached English by 1200s as grant. Research 'grants' date from the 1900s. Today, grant means to give; a sum of money given.