journey

Where does the word "journey" come from? It comes from Late Latin diurnum, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Journey’s story begins in Late Latin: diurnum meant “a day's portion.” From 'diurnus', of the day, from 'dies', day. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as journee. The same root as 'journal', a daily record. It reached English by 1200s as journey. Later any trip regardless of length. Today, journey means an act of travelling from one place to another.

1. Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient diurnum "a day's portion", from 'diurnus', of the day, from 'dies', day.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval journee "a day's travel or work", the same root as 'journal', a daily record.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s journey "a day's travel", later any trip regardless of length.