Etymology Map
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Public

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relating to the people as a whole

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
publicus
Latin · ancient
"of the people"
from 'populus', people
2
Stage 2 of 3
public
Old French · medieval
"public"
Latin 'res publica', the public thing, gave 'republic'
3
Stage 3 of 3
public
English · 1400s
"of the people"
British 'public schools' are, confusingly, private
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Read the full story

Public’s story begins in Latin: publicus meant “of the people.” From 'populus', people. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as public. Latin 'res publica', the public thing, gave 'republic'. It reached English by 1400s as public. British 'public schools' are, confusingly, private. Today, public means relating to the people as a whole.