Etymology Map
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Remote

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means situated far away

Where does the word "remote" come from? It comes from Latin remotus, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
remotus
Latin · ancient
"moved back, distant"
past participle of 'removere', to move back
2
Stage 2 of 2
remote
English · 1400s
"distant"
TV 'remotes' date from the 1950s; 'remote work' from the 1970s
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Read the full story

Remote’s story begins in Latin: remotus meant “moved back, distant.” Past participle of 'removere', to move back. It reached English by 1400s as remote. TV 'remotes' date from the 1950s; 'remote work' from the 1970s. Today, remote means situated far away.