Etymology Map
Back to all words

Prowess

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means skill or expertise; bravery

Where does the word "prowess" come from? It comes from Late Latin prode, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

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
proesce
Old French · medieval
"bravery"
from 'prou', valiant, the source of 'proud'
3
Stage 3 of 3
prowess
English · 1200s
"bravery"
now used for any great skill
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

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.