protean

Where does the word "protean" come from? It comes from Greek Proteus, and was adopted directly into English (1590s).

Protean’s story begins in Greek: Proteus meant “a shape-shifting sea god.” A sea god able to change shape at will to avoid capture. It reached English by 1590s as protean. Coined from the god's name for anything readily able to change form. Today, protean means readily changing shape or character, versatile and adaptable.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient Proteus "a shape-shifting sea god", a sea god able to change shape at will to avoid capture.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1590s protean "able to change readily, versatile", coined from the god's name for anything readily able to change form.