Etymology Map
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Triumph

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a great victory

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
triumphus
Latin · ancient
"victory procession"
a Roman general's victory parade through the city
2
Stage 2 of 3
triumphe
Old French · medieval
"victory"
broadened to any great victory or success
3
Stage 3 of 3
triumph
English · 1300s
"victory"
'Arc de Triomphe' in Paris keeps the Roman idea
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Read the full story

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.