new

Where does the word "new" come from? It comes from Proto-Germanic niwjaz, passing through Old English before entering English (1500s).

New’s story begins in Proto-Germanic: niwjaz meant “new.” Cognate with Latin 'novus' and Greek 'neos'. By 700s-1000s, the word had taken hold in Old English as nīwe. Newcastle was named for the 'new castle' built there in 1080. It reached English by 1500s as new. 'news' is a 1400s plural, perhaps modelled on French 'nouvelles'. Today, new means not existing before; recently made.

1. Stage 1 · Proto-Germanic · ancient niwjaz "new", cognate with Latin 'novus' and Greek 'neos'.
2. Stage 2 · Old English · 700s-1000s nīwe "new", Newcastle was named for the 'new castle' built there in 1080.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s new "new", 'news' is a 1400s plural, perhaps modelled on French 'nouvelles'.