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Where does the word "prosper" come from? It comes from Latin prosperare, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
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Where does the word "prosper" come from? It comes from Latin prosperare, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
Prosper’s story begins in Latin: prosperare meant “to make happy.” From 'prosperus', favourable, 'according to hope'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as prosperer. Latin 'pro spere', according to hope. It reached English by 1400s as prosper. 'prosperity' followed. Today, prosper means to succeed financially.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient prosperare "to make happy", from 'prosperus', favourable, 'according to hope'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval prosperer "to thrive", Latin 'pro spere', according to hope.
- Stage 3 · English · 1400s prosper "to thrive", 'prosperity' followed.