Etymology Map
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Valiant

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means showing courage

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
valere
Latin · ancient
"to be strong"
the root of 'value' and 'valid'
2
Stage 2 of 3
vaillant
Old French · medieval
"brave"
present participle of 'valoir'
3
Stage 3 of 3
valiant
English · 1300s
"brave"
'Prince Valiant' comics date from 1937
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Read the full story

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.