Etymology Map
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Prosper

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to succeed financially

Where does the word "prosper" come from? It comes from Latin prosperare, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
prosperare
Latin · ancient
"to make happy"
from 'prosperus', favourable, 'according to hope'
2
Stage 2 of 3
prosperer
Old French · medieval
"to thrive"
Latin 'pro spere', according to hope
3
Stage 3 of 3
prosper
English · 1400s
"to thrive"
'prosperity' followed
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Read the full story

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.