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Where does the word "sociology" come from? It comes from Latin socius, passing through French before entering English (1843).
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Where does the word "sociology" come from? It comes from Latin socius, passing through French before entering English (1843).
Sociology’s story begins in Latin: socius meant “companion, ally.” The root of 'social', 'society' and 'associate'. By 1830, the word had taken hold in French as sociologie. Coined by Auguste Comte from Latin socius (companion) and Greek -logia (study of). It reached English by 1843 as sociology. Coined by Auguste Comte in 1838, from Latin 'socius', companion, and Greek 'logos'. Today, sociology means the scientific study of society, social relationships, and institutions.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient socius "companion, ally", the root of 'social', 'society' and 'associate'.
- Stage 2 · French · 1830 sociologie "the study of society", coined by Auguste Comte from Latin socius (companion) and Greek -logia (study of).
- Stage 3 · English · 1843 sociology "the scientific study of society", coined by Auguste Comte in 1838, from Latin 'socius', companion, and Greek 'logos'.