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Lateral

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to the side

Where does the word "lateral" come from? It comes from Latin lateralis, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
lateralis
Latin · ancient
"of the side"
from 'latus', side
2
Stage 2 of 2
lateral
English · 1600s
"of the side"
'lateral thinking' was coined by Edward de Bono in 1967
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Read the full story

Lateral’s story begins in Latin: lateralis meant “of the side.” From 'latus', side. It reached English by 1600s as lateral. 'lateral thinking' was coined by Edward de Bono in 1967. Today, lateral means relating to the side.