save

Where does the word "save" come from? It comes from Latin salvare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Save’s story begins in Latin: salvare meant “to make safe.” From 'salvus', safe, the root of 'salvation'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as sauver. Used for spiritual salvation and physical safety. It reached English by 1200s as save. 'save' for keeping money dates from the 1400s; computer 'save' from the 1960s. Today, save means to keep safe; to store for later.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient salvare "to make safe", from 'salvus', safe, the root of 'salvation'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval sauver "to save", used for spiritual salvation and physical safety.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s save "to rescue", 'save' for keeping money dates from the 1400s; computer 'save' from the 1960s.