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Where does the word "valiant" come from? It comes from Latin valere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "valiant" come from? It comes from Latin valere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Valiant’s story begins in Latin: valere meant “to be strong.” The root of 'value' and 'valid'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vaillant. Present participle of 'valoir'. It reached English by 1300s as valiant. 'Prince Valiant' comics date from 1937. Today, valiant means showing courage.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient valere "to be strong", the root of 'value' and 'valid'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval vaillant "brave", present participle of 'valoir'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s valiant "brave", 'Prince Valiant' comics date from 1937.