Etymology Map
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Mansion

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a large impressive house

Where does the word "mansion" come from? It comes from Latin mansio, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
mansio
Latin · ancient
"dwelling"
from 'manere', to stay
2
Stage 2 of 3
mansion
Old French · medieval
"dwelling"
a place to stay
3
Stage 3 of 3
mansion
English · 1300s
"dwelling"
the sense 'grand house' dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Mansion’s story begins in Latin: mansio meant “dwelling.” From 'manere', to stay. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as mansion. A place to stay. It reached English by 1300s as mansion. The sense 'grand house' dates from the 1500s. Today, mansion means a large impressive house.