Etymology Map
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Talent

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means natural aptitude

Where does the word "talent" come from? It comes from Greek talanton, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
talanton
Greek · ancient
"balance, sum of money"
a Greek weight of silver
2
Stage 2 of 3
talent
Old French · medieval
"inclination"
the Parable of the Talents gave the sense of natural gift
3
Stage 3 of 3
talent
English · 1300s
"inclination; gift"
'talent show' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Talent’s story begins in Greek: talanton meant “balance, sum of money.” A Greek weight of silver. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as talent. The Parable of the Talents gave the sense of natural gift. It reached English by 1300s as talent. 'talent show' dates from the 1900s. Today, talent means natural aptitude.