tradition

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

Tradition’s story begins in Latin: tradere meant “to hand over, to deliver.” To hand over, to deliver, from trans- (across) and dare (to give). Within Latin, it grew into traditio by ancient. A handing over, a delivering of knowledge or custom, from tradere. From there it passed into Old French as tradition by medieval. Carried into French for customs passed down through generations. It reached English by 1300s as tradition. Settled as the English word for a custom or belief passed down over time. Today, tradition means a custom, belief, or practice passed down through generations.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient tradere "to hand over, to deliver", to hand over, to deliver, from trans- (across) and dare (to give).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient traditio "a handing over of knowledge or custom", a handing over, a delivering of knowledge or custom, from tradere.
3. Stage 3 · Old French · medieval tradition "customs passed down through generations", carried into French for customs passed down through generations.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1300s tradition "a custom or belief handed down over time", settled as the English word for a custom or belief passed down over time.