Etymology Map
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Junior

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means younger; lower in rank

Where does the word "junior" come from? It comes from Latin junior, adopted directly into English (1520s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
junior
Latin · ancient
"younger"
comparative of 'juvenis', young
2
Stage 2 of 2
junior
English · 1520s
"younger"
'Junior' as a son's title dates from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Junior’s story begins in Latin: junior meant “younger.” Comparative of 'juvenis', young. It reached English by 1520s as junior. 'Junior' as a son's title dates from the 1600s. Today, junior means younger; lower in rank.