Etymology Map
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Study

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means time spent learning; a room for work

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

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

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.