Etymology Map
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Tense

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the form of a verb showing time; stretched tight

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

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

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.