Etymology Map
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Vertical

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means upright

Where does the word "vertical" come from? It comes from Latin verticalis, adopted directly into English (1550s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
verticalis
Latin · ancient
"overhead"
from 'vertex', highest point
2
Stage 2 of 2
vertical
English · 1550s
"overhead"
first used in astronomy for the point overhead
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Read the full story

Vertical’s story begins in Latin: verticalis meant “overhead.” From 'vertex', highest point. It reached English by 1550s as vertical. First used in astronomy for the point overhead. Today, vertical means upright.