Etymology Map
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Guide

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means to show the way

Where does the word "guide" come from? It comes from Frankish witan, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
witan
Frankish · ancient
"to know, show the way"
a Frankish word related to English 'wit' and 'wise'
2
Stage 2 of 3
guider
Old French · medieval
"to lead"
Germanic w became gu in French, as in 'guard' for 'ward'
3
Stage 3 of 3
guide
English · 1300s
"to lead"
'guidebook' dates from the 1820s
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Read the full story

Guide’s story begins in Frankish: witan meant “to know, show the way.” A Frankish word related to English 'wit' and 'wise'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as guider. Germanic w became gu in French, as in 'guard' for 'ward'. It reached English by 1300s as guide. 'guidebook' dates from the 1820s. Today, guide means to show the way.