usual

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

Usual’s story begins in Latin: usualis meant “in common use.” From 'usus', use. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as usuel. From 'user', to use. It reached English by 1300s as usual. 'as usual' dates from the 1600s. Today, usual means habitually happening.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient usualis "in common use", from 'usus', use.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval usuel "customary", from 'user', to use.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s usual "customary", 'as usual' dates from the 1600s.