Etymology Map
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Sense

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a faculty of perception; good judgement

Where does the word "sense" come from? It comes from Latin sensus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
sensus
Latin · ancient
"perception"
from 'sentire', to feel
2
Stage 2 of 3
sens
Old French · medieval
"meaning, sense"
a faculty of perception
3
Stage 3 of 3
sense
English · 1300s
"meaning"
'common sense' dates from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Sense’s story begins in Latin: sensus meant “perception.” From 'sentire', to feel. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as sens. A faculty of perception. It reached English by 1300s as sense. 'common sense' dates from the 1500s. Today, sense means a faculty of perception; good judgement.