Etymology Map
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Victor

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a winner

Where does the word "victor" come from? It comes from Latin victor, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
victor
Latin · ancient
"conqueror"
from 'vincere', to conquer
2
Stage 2 of 2
victor
English · 1300s
"conqueror"
'to the victor go the spoils' dates from 1832
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Read the full story

Victor’s story begins in Latin: victor meant “conqueror.” From 'vincere', to conquer. It reached English by 1300s as victor. 'to the victor go the spoils' dates from 1832. Today, victor means a winner.