Etymology Map
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Status

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means relative social or legal standing; current state

Where does the word "status" come from? It comes from Latin status, adopted directly into English (1670s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
status
Latin · ancient
"standing, condition"
from 'stare', to stand; the root of 'state' and 'statue'
2
Stage 2 of 2
status
English · 1670s
"social standing"
'status symbol' was coined in the 1950s
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Read the full story

Status’s story begins in Latin: status meant “standing, condition.” From 'stare', to stand; the root of 'state' and 'statue'. It reached English by 1670s as status. 'status symbol' was coined in the 1950s. Today, status means relative social or legal standing; current state.