premium

Where does the word "premium" come from? It comes from Latin praemium, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Premium’s story begins in Latin: praemium meant “a reward, a prize.” A reward, a prize, from prae (before) and emere (to take, buy). It reached English by 1600s as premium. Narrowed to mean an amount paid for insurance, or an added charge for quality. Today, premium means an amount paid for insurance, or a high price reflecting extra value.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient praemium "a reward, a prize", a reward, a prize, from prae (before) and emere (to take, buy).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s premium "an amount paid for insurance, or extra value", narrowed to mean an amount paid for insurance, or an added charge for quality.