tenure

Where does the word "tenure" come from? It comes from Latin tenere, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).

Tenure’s story begins in Latin: tenere meant “to hold.” The root of 'tenant', 'tenable' and 'retain'. It reached English by 1400s as tenure. Settled as the English word for the holding of a position or property. Today, tenure means the holding of a position or office, especially a permanent academic appointment.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient tenere "to hold", the root of 'tenant', 'tenable' and 'retain'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1400s tenure "the holding of an office, position, or property", settled as the English word for the holding of a position or property.