Etymology Map
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Matter

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means physical substance; a subject

Where does the word "matter" come from? It comes from Latin materia, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
materia
Latin · ancient
"substance, timber"
from 'mater', mother: the stuff things are made of
2
Stage 2 of 3
matiere
Old French · medieval
"substance"
also a subject of discussion
3
Stage 3 of 3
matter
English · 1200s
"substance; subject"
'what's the matter?' dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Matter’s story begins in Latin: materia meant “substance, timber.” From 'mater', mother: the stuff things are made of. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as matiere. Also a subject of discussion. It reached English by 1200s as matter. 'what's the matter?' dates from the 1500s. Today, matter means physical substance; a subject.