Etymology Map
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Plural

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means more than one

Where does the word "plural" come from? It comes from Latin pluralis, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
pluralis
Latin · ancient
"of more than one"
from 'plus', more
2
Stage 2 of 2
plural
English · 1300s
"more than one"
'pluralism' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Plural’s story begins in Latin: pluralis meant “of more than one.” From 'plus', more. It reached English by 1300s as plural. 'pluralism' dates from the 1800s. Today, plural means more than one.