sentiment

Where does the word "sentiment" come from? It comes from Latin sentire, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Sentiment’s story begins in Latin: sentire meant “to feel, to perceive.” The root of 'sense', 'sentence' and 'consent'. It reached English by 1600s as sentiment. Settled as the English word for a feeling or opinion. Today, sentiment means a view, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is tender or sentimental.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sentire "to feel, to perceive", the root of 'sense', 'sentence' and 'consent'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s sentiment "a feeling or opinion, especially a tender one", settled as the English word for a feeling or opinion.