Etymology Map
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Parade

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a public procession

Where does the word "parade" come from? It comes from Latin parare, passing through French before entering English (1650s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
parare
Latin · ancient
"to prepare"
the root of 'prepare' and 'repair'
2
Stage 2 of 3
parade
French · 1600s
"display"
came through Spanish 'parada'
3
Stage 3 of 3
parade
English · 1650s
"military display"
'hit parade' dates from the 1930s
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Read the full story

Parade’s story begins in Latin: parare meant “to prepare.” The root of 'prepare' and 'repair'. By 1600s, the word had taken hold in French as parade. Came through Spanish 'parada'. It reached English by 1650s as parade. 'hit parade' dates from the 1930s. Today, parade means a public procession.