Etymology Map
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Senior

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means older; higher in rank

Where does the word "senior" come from? It comes from Latin senior, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
senior
Latin · ancient
"older"
comparative of 'senex', old, the root of 'senate'
2
Stage 2 of 2
senior
English · 1300s
"older"
'senior citizen' dates from the 1930s
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Read the full story

Senior’s story begins in Latin: senior meant “older.” Comparative of 'senex', old, the root of 'senate'. It reached English by 1300s as senior. 'senior citizen' dates from the 1930s. Today, senior means older; higher in rank.