Etymology Map
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Mode

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a way in which something happens

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
modus
Latin · ancient
"measure, manner"
the root of 'model', 'modest' and 'modern'
2
Stage 2 of 3
mode
Old French · medieval
"fashion, manner"
French 'à la mode' meant fashionable
3
Stage 3 of 3
mode
English · 1300s
"manner"
'mode' in music and statistics came later
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Read the full story

Mode’s story begins in Latin: modus meant “measure, manner.” The root of 'model', 'modest' and 'modern'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as mode. French 'à la mode' meant fashionable. It reached English by 1300s as mode. 'mode' in music and statistics came later. Today, mode means a way in which something happens.