Etymology Map
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Pronto

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means promptly; quickly

Where does the word "pronto" come from? It comes from Latin promptus, passing through Spanish before entering English (1850s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
promptus
Latin · ancient
"ready"
ready, at hand
2
Stage 2 of 3
pronto
Spanish · medieval
"quickly"
quick, soon
3
Stage 3 of 3
pronto
American English · 1850s
"right away"
spread from the Southwest into general slang
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Read the full story

Pronto’s story begins in Latin: promptus meant “ready.” Ready, at hand. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Spanish as pronto. Quick, soon. It reached English by 1850s as pronto. Spread from the Southwest into general slang. Today, pronto means promptly; quickly.