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Where does the word "mandate" come from? It comes from Latin mandare, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
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Where does the word "mandate" come from? It comes from Latin mandare, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).
Mandate’s story begins in Latin: mandare meant “to command, to entrust.” To command, to entrust, from manus (hand) and dare (to give). It reached English by 1500s as mandate. Settled as the English word for an official command or authorization. Today, mandate means an official command or authorization, especially one given by voters to elected officials.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient mandare "to command, to entrust", to command, to entrust, from manus (hand) and dare (to give).
- Stage 2 · English · 1500s mandate "an official command or authorization to act", settled as the English word for an official command or authorization.