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Where does the word "heritage" come from? It comes from Late Latin hereditare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "heritage" come from? It comes from Late Latin hereditare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Heritage’s story begins in Late Latin: hereditare meant “to inherit.” From 'heres', heir. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as eritage. Property passed down. It reached English by 1200s as heritage. 'cultural heritage' dates from the 1900s. Today, heritage means valued traditions passed down.
- Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient hereditare "to inherit", from 'heres', heir.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval eritage "inheritance", property passed down.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s heritage "inheritance", 'cultural heritage' dates from the 1900s.