Etymology Map
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Minor

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means lesser in importance; a person under full legal age

Where does the word "minor" come from? It comes from Latin minor, adopted directly into English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
minor
Latin · ancient
"smaller"
comparative of 'parvus', small
2
Stage 2 of 2
minor
English · 1200s
"smaller"
legal 'minors' date from the 1500s
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Minor’s story begins in Latin: minor meant “smaller.” Comparative of 'parvus', small. It reached English by 1200s as minor. Legal 'minors' date from the 1500s. Today, minor means lesser in importance; a person under full legal age.