Etymology Map
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Parliament

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means the highest law-making body of a country

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
parabolare
Late Latin · ancient
"to speak"
from Greek 'parabolē', comparison, also the root of 'parable'
2
Stage 2 of 3
parlement
Old French · medieval
"speaking; a formal meeting"
a conference or discussion, from 'parler', to speak
3
Stage 3 of 3
parliament
English · 1200s
"a formal assembly"
the English Parliament grew from the king's councils of the 1200s
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Read the full story

Parliament’s story begins in Late Latin: parabolare meant “to speak.” From Greek 'parabolē', comparison, also the root of 'parable'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as parlement. A conference or discussion, from 'parler', to speak. It reached English by 1200s as parliament. The English Parliament grew from the king's councils of the 1200s. Today, parliament means the highest law-making body of a country.