Bonus
/ˈboʊ.nəs/noun
A payment or gift given in addition to what is usual or expected.
Did you know?The term 'bonus' originally referred to a 'goodness' or 'kindness', hinting at a deeper connection to generosity and favor in ancient commerce.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
bonus
“good, kind, or generous.”
14th Century
Old French
bon
“good, excellent, or virtuous.”
15th Century
Middle English
bon
“good, pleasing, or satisfactory.”
19th Century
English
bonus
“an extra payment or gift, especially in a financial context.”
Explore more surprising origins