problem

Where does the word "problem" come from? It comes from Greek problēma, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Problem’s story begins in Greek: problēma meant “thing put forward.” Greek, 'pro-', forward, plus 'ballein', to throw. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as probleme. Came via Latin 'problema'. It reached English by 1300s as problem. 'no problem' dates from the 1900s. Today, problem means a matter needing a solution.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient problēma "thing put forward", Greek, 'pro-', forward, plus 'ballein', to throw.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval probleme "riddle", came via Latin 'problema'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s problem "difficult question", 'no problem' dates from the 1900s.