rhythm

Where does the word "rhythm" come from? It comes from Greek rhythmos, passing through Latin before entering English (1500s-1600s).

Rhythm’s story begins in Greek: rhythmos meant “measured, recurring movement.” Meaning "measured flow" or "movement". By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as rhythmus. Greek 'rhythmos', measured flow, from 'rhein', to flow. It reached English by 1500s-1600s as rhythm. Settled as the English word for patterned movement or sound. Today, rhythm means a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient rhythmos "measured, recurring movement", meaning "measured flow" or "movement".
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient rhythmus "a regular pattern of movement or sound", Greek 'rhythmos', measured flow, from 'rhein', to flow.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s-1600s rhythm "a strong, regular repeated pattern", settled as the English word for patterned movement or sound.