Commandment
/kəˈmændmənt/noun
A divine rule or order, especially one of the Ten Commandments in the Bible.
Did you know?The word 'commandment' is derived from Latin roots that emphasize not just orders, but divine mandates, connecting it to the idea of sacred law and authority.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*man-
“to think, to consider; often relating to the power of the mind.”
Latin
Latin
mandatum
“an order or command, often of a legal or official nature.”
Old French
Old French
commandement
“a command or order, specifically issuing authority.”
Middle English
Middle English
commandement
“a command or order, especially in a religious or moral context.”
Modern English
English
commandment
“a divine order, particularly referring to biblical laws.”