Etymology Map
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Reward

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means something given in return for service

Where does the word "reward" come from? It comes from Frankish wardon, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
wardon
Frankish · ancient
"to guard, watch"
a Frankish word related to 'ward'
2
Stage 2 of 3
rewarder
Old French · medieval
"to look at, regard"
Norman French of Parisian 'regarder'
3
Stage 3 of 3
reward
English · 1300s
"regard; recompense"
split from 'regard' with a different sense
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Read the full story

Reward’s story begins in Frankish: wardon meant “to guard, watch.” A Frankish word related to 'ward'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as rewarder. Norman French of Parisian 'regarder'. It reached English by 1300s as reward. Split from 'regard' with a different sense. Today, reward means something given in return for service.