Etymology Map
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Terrace

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a flat raised area; a row of houses

Where does the word "terrace" come from? It comes from Latin terra, passing through Old French before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
terra
Latin · ancient
"earth"
the root of 'territory' and 'terrain'
2
Stage 2 of 3
terrasse
Old French · medieval
"raised platform"
a platform of earth
3
Stage 3 of 3
terrace
English · 1500s
"raised platform"
British 'terraced houses' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Terrace’s story begins in Latin: terra meant “earth.” The root of 'territory' and 'terrain'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as terrasse. A platform of earth. It reached English by 1500s as terrace. British 'terraced houses' date from the 1800s. Today, terrace means a flat raised area; a row of houses.