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Where does the word "prowess" come from? It comes from Late Latin prode, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "prowess" come from? It comes from Late Latin prode, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Prowess’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 proesce. From 'prou', valiant, the source of 'proud'. It reached English by 1200s as prowess. Now used for any great skill. Today, prowess means skill or expertise; bravery.
- Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient prode "advantageous", a Late Latin form from 'prodesse', to be of use.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval proesce "bravery", from 'prou', valiant, the source of 'proud'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s prowess "bravery", now used for any great skill.