until

Where does the word "until" come from? It comes from Old Norse und, passing through Middle English before entering English (1500s).

Until’s story begins in Old Norse: und meant “up to, as far as.” A preposition meaning 'as far as', later lost in the Scandinavian languages themselves. By 1200s, the word had taken hold in Middle English as untill. Formed by joining Norse 'und' with 'till', itself another Norse borrowing, doubling up the meaning. It reached English by 1500s as until. Became the standard form, with 'till' surviving alongside as its shorter twin. Today, until means up to the point in time mentioned.

1. Stage 1 · Old Norse · medieval und "up to, as far as", a preposition meaning 'as far as', later lost in the Scandinavian languages themselves.
2. Stage 2 · Middle English · 1200s untill "up to (a time)", formed by joining Norse 'und' with 'till', itself another Norse borrowing, doubling up the meaning.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s until "up to the time that", became the standard form, with 'till' surviving alongside as its shorter twin.