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Sane

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means of sound mind

Where does the word "sane" come from? It comes from Latin sanus, adopted directly into English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
sanus
Latin · ancient
"healthy"
the root of 'sanitary' and 'insane'
2
Stage 2 of 2
sane
English · 1620s
"healthy"
'insane' was borrowed earlier, in the 1500s
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Read the full story

Sane’s story begins in Latin: sanus meant “healthy.” The root of 'sanitary' and 'insane'. It reached English by 1620s as sane. 'insane' was borrowed earlier, in the 1500s. Today, sane means of sound mind.