Etymology Map
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Vow

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a solemn promise

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
votum
Latin · ancient
"vow, wish"
from 'vovere', to promise solemnly, the root of 'vote' and 'devote'
2
Stage 2 of 3
vou
Old French · medieval
"vow"
religious promises
3
Stage 3 of 3
vow
English · 1300s
"solemn promise"
'wedding vows' date from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Vow’s story begins in Latin: votum meant “vow, wish.” From 'vovere', to promise solemnly, the root of 'vote' and 'devote'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as vou. Religious promises. It reached English by 1300s as vow. 'wedding vows' date from the 1500s. Today, vow means a solemn promise.