vow

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

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.

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