Etymology Map
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Serene

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means calm and peaceful

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

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

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.