Etymology Map
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Inferior

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means lower in rank or quality

Where does the word "inferior" come from? It comes from Latin inferior, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
inferior
Latin · ancient
"lower"
comparative of 'inferus', below
2
Stage 2 of 2
inferior
English · 1400s
"lower"
'inferiority complex' dates from the 1910s
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Read the full story

Inferior’s story begins in Latin: inferior meant “lower.” Comparative of 'inferus', below. It reached English by 1400s as inferior. 'inferiority complex' dates from the 1910s. Today, inferior means lower in rank or quality.