Etymology Map
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Usual

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means habitually happening

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

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

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.