produce

Where does the word "produce" come from? It comes from Latin ducere, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Produce’s story begins in Latin: ducere meant “to lead.” To lead, combined with pro- (forward). Within Latin, it grew into producere by ancient. To lead forward, to bring forth, from pro- and ducere. It reached English by 1400s as produce. Settled as the English word for making or creating something. Today, produce means to make or create something, or fresh fruits and vegetables collectively.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient ducere "to lead", to lead, combined with pro- (forward).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient producere "to lead forward, to bring forth", to lead forward, to bring forth, from pro- and ducere.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s produce "to make or create something", settled as the English word for making or creating something.