Etymology Map
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Throne

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a ceremonial chair for a monarch

Where does the word "throne" come from? It comes from Greek thronos, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
thronos
Greek · ancient
"elevated seat"
a Greek word for a chair of state
2
Stage 2 of 3
trone
Old French · medieval
"royal seat"
the 'h' was restored from Latin in the 1500s
3
Stage 3 of 3
throne
English · 1200s
"a royal seat"
'the throne' also means royal power itself
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Read the full story

Throne’s story begins in Greek: thronos meant “elevated seat.” A Greek word for a chair of state. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as trone. The 'h' was restored from Latin in the 1500s. It reached English by 1200s as throne. 'the throne' also means royal power itself. Today, throne means a ceremonial chair for a monarch.