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Where does the word "triumph" come from? It comes from Latin triumphus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "triumph" come from? It comes from Latin triumphus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Triumph’s story begins in Latin: triumphus meant “victory procession.” A Roman general's victory parade through the city. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as triumphe. Broadened to any great victory or success. It reached English by 1300s as triumph. 'Arc de Triomphe' in Paris keeps the Roman idea. Today, triumph means a great victory.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient triumphus "victory procession", a Roman general's victory parade through the city.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval triumphe "victory", broadened to any great victory or success.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s triumph "victory", 'Arc de Triomphe' in Paris keeps the Roman idea.