tense

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

Tense’s story begins in Latin: tempus meant “time.” The root of 'temporary'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as tens. Used by grammarians for verb time. It reached English by 1300s as tense. 'tense' meaning stretched is a separate word from Latin 'tensus'. Today, tense means the form of a verb showing time; stretched tight.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient tempus "time", the root of 'temporary'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval tens "time", used by grammarians for verb time.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s tense "time", 'tense' meaning stretched is a separate word from Latin 'tensus'.