legislate

Where does the word "legislate" come from? It comes from Latin lex, passing through Latin before entering English (1650s).

Legislate’s story begins in Latin: lex meant “law.” Law, combined with latus (carried, from ferre, to carry). Within Latin, it grew into legis latio by ancient. The proposing of a law, from lex (law) and latus (carried). It reached English by 1650s as legislate. Formed from Latin roots for making or passing laws. Today, legislate means to make or enact laws.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient lex "law", law, combined with latus (carried, from ferre, to carry).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient legis latio "the proposing of a law", the proposing of a law, from lex (law) and latus (carried).
3. Stage 3 · English · 1650s legislate "to make or pass laws", formed from Latin roots for making or passing laws.