Etymology Map
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Martial

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to war

Where does the word "martial" come from? It comes from Latin martialis, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
martialis
Latin · ancient
"of Mars"
from 'Mars', the Roman god of war
2
Stage 2 of 2
martial
English · 1300s
"warlike"
'martial arts' dates from the 1930s
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Read the full story

Martial’s story begins in Latin: martialis meant “of Mars.” From 'Mars', the Roman god of war. It reached English by 1300s as martial. 'martial arts' dates from the 1930s. Today, martial means relating to war.