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Where does the word "pro bono" come from? It comes from Latin pro bono publico, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).
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Where does the word "pro bono" come from? It comes from Latin pro bono publico, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).
Pro bono’s story begins in Latin: pro bono publico meant “for the public good.” Literally for the public good. It reached English by 1900s as pro bono. Shortened and adopted for professional work done voluntarily and without payment. Today, pro bono means professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, for the public good.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient pro bono publico "for the public good", literally for the public good.
- Stage 2 · English · 1900s pro bono "professional work done voluntarily without payment", shortened and adopted for professional work done voluntarily and without payment.