uniform

Where does the word "uniform" come from? It comes from Latin unus, passing through Latin before entering English (1500s).

Uniform’s story begins in Latin: unus meant “one.” One, combined with forma (shape). Within Latin, it grew into uniformis by ancient. Having one form, unchanging, from unus (one) and forma (shape). It reached English by 1500s as uniform. Settled as the English word for something the same throughout, or distinctive clothing. Today, uniform means the same throughout, or distinctive clothing worn by members of a group.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient unus "one", one, combined with forma (shape).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient uniformis "having one form, unchanging", having one form, unchanging, from unus (one) and forma (shape).
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s uniform "consistent and the same throughout, or distinctive clothing for a group", settled as the English word for something the same throughout, or distinctive clothing.