Etymology Map
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Inert

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means lacking the ability to move

Where does the word "inert" come from? It comes from Latin iners, adopted directly into English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
iners
Latin · ancient
"unskilled, idle"
'in-', without, plus 'ars', skill
2
Stage 2 of 2
inert
English · 1640s
"inactive"
'inert gases' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Inert’s story begins in Latin: iners meant “unskilled, idle.” 'in-', without, plus 'ars', skill. It reached English by 1640s as inert. 'inert gases' date from the 1800s. Today, inert means lacking the ability to move.