Etymology Map
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Hymn

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a religious song of praise

Where does the word "hymn" come from? It comes from Greek hymnos, passing through Latin before entering English (1000s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
hymnos
Greek · ancient
"song of praise"
the Homeric Hymns praised individual gods
2
Stage 2 of 3
hymnus
Latin · ancient
"hymn"
adopted for Christian songs
3
Stage 3 of 3
hymn
English · 1000s
"a religious song"
Old English 'ymen'; the h and y were restored from Greek later
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Read the full story

Hymn’s story begins in Greek: hymnos meant “song of praise.” The Homeric Hymns praised individual gods. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as hymnus. Adopted for Christian songs. It reached English by 1000s as hymn. Old English 'ymen'; the h and y were restored from Greek later. Today, hymn means a religious song of praise.