Etymology Map
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Partner

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a person who shares or takes part with another

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
partitio
Latin · ancient
"sharing, division"
from 'partire', to divide
2
Stage 2 of 3
parcener
Old French · medieval
"joint heir"
a legal term for co-heirs; English respelled it by linking it to 'part'
3
Stage 3 of 3
partner
English · 1300s
"joint heir; sharer"
romantic 'partner' became common in the 1900s
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Read the full story

Partner’s story begins in Latin: partitio meant “sharing, division.” From 'partire', to divide. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as parcener. A legal term for co-heirs; English respelled it by linking it to 'part'. It reached English by 1300s as partner. Romantic 'partner' became common in the 1900s. Today, partner means a person who shares or takes part with another.