Etymology Map
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Penal

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to punishment

Where does the word "penal" come from? It comes from Latin poenalis, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
poenalis
Latin · ancient
"of punishment"
from 'poena', penalty
2
Stage 2 of 2
penal
English · 1400s
"punitive"
'penal colonies' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Penal’s story begins in Latin: poenalis meant “of punishment.” From 'poena', penalty. It reached English by 1400s as penal. 'penal colonies' date from the 1800s. Today, penal means relating to punishment.