study

Where does the word "study" come from? It comes from Latin studium, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Study’s story begins in Latin: studium meant “zeal, eagerness.” From 'studere', to be eager. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as estudie. Study as applying oneself eagerly. It reached English by 1300s as study. A room called a 'study' dates from the 1300s. Today, study means time spent learning; a room for work.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient studium "zeal, eagerness", from 'studere', to be eager.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval estudie "study, zeal", study as applying oneself eagerly.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s study "application to learning", a room called a 'study' dates from the 1300s.