EtymologyMap
Back to all words

Trace the journey of words

Today it means

serene

calm and peaceful

Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Drag to rotate

Where does the word "serene" come from? It comes from Latin serenus, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

Read the full story

Where does the word "serene" come from? It comes from Latin serenus, passing through French before entering English (1500s).

Serene’s story begins in Latin: serenus meant “clear, calm.” Used of cloudless skies. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as serein. 'Serene Highness' was a title of German and Italian princes. It reached English by 1500s as serene. 'Serene Highness' is a royal title. Today, serene means calm and peaceful.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient serenus "clear, calm", used of cloudless skies.
  2. Stage 2 · French · 1500s serein "calm", 'Serene Highness' was a title of German and Italian princes.
  3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s serene "clear, calm", 'Serene Highness' is a royal title.

Browse by origin