jurisprudence

Where does the word "jurisprudence" come from? It comes from Latin ius, passing through Latin before entering English (1620s).

Jurisprudence’s story begins in Latin: ius meant “law, right.” Law, right, combined with prudentia (knowledge, foresight). Within Latin, it grew into iuris prudentia by ancient. Knowledge of the law, from ius (law) and prudentia (knowledge). It reached English by 1620s as jurisprudence. Settled as the English word for the theory and philosophy of law. Today, jurisprudence means the theoretical study of law and the principles behind legal systems.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ius "law, right", law, right, combined with prudentia (knowledge, foresight).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient iuris prudentia "knowledge of the law", knowledge of the law, from ius (law) and prudentia (knowledge).
3. Stage 3 · English · 1620s jurisprudence "the theory and philosophy of law", settled as the English word for the theory and philosophy of law.