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Splendid

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means magnificent; excellent

Where does the word "splendid" come from? It comes from Latin splendidus, adopted directly into English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
splendidus
Latin · ancient
"shining, brilliant"
from 'splendere', to shine
2
Stage 2 of 2
splendid
English · 1620s
"brilliant"
'splendid isolation' was a British policy slogan of the 1890s
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Read the full story

Splendid’s story begins in Latin: splendidus meant “shining, brilliant.” From 'splendere', to shine. It reached English by 1620s as splendid. 'splendid isolation' was a British policy slogan of the 1890s. Today, splendid means magnificent; excellent.