Etymology Map
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Proud

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means feeling pride

Where does the word "proud" come from? It comes from Late Latin prode, passing through Old French before entering English (1000s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
prode
Late Latin · ancient
"advantageous"
a Late Latin form from 'prodesse', to be of use
2
Stage 2 of 3
prud
Old French · medieval
"valiant"
Old English borrowed it as 'prud'
3
Stage 3 of 3
proud
English · 1000s
"arrogant; valiant"
one of the earliest French borrowings, taken into Old English as 'prud' before 1066
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Read the full story

Proud’s story begins in Late Latin: prode meant “advantageous.” A Late Latin form from 'prodesse', to be of use. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as prud. Old English borrowed it as 'prud'. It reached English by 1000s as proud. One of the earliest French borrowings, taken into Old English as 'prud' before 1066. Today, proud means feeling pride.