Etymology Map
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Sentence

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a set of words forming a statement; a punishment

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
sententia
Latin · ancient
"opinion, judgement"
from 'sentire', to feel
2
Stage 2 of 3
sentence
Old French · medieval
"opinion"
a verdict or opinion
3
Stage 3 of 3
sentence
English · 1200s
"opinion; verdict"
the grammatical sense dates from the 1400s
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Read the full story

Sentence’s story begins in Latin: sententia meant “opinion, judgement.” From 'sentire', to feel. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as sentence. A verdict or opinion. It reached English by 1200s as sentence. The grammatical sense dates from the 1400s. Today, sentence means a set of words forming a statement; a punishment.