Latin
/ˈlæ.tɪn/noun
The language of ancient Rome and its empire, the precursor to the Romance languages.
Did you know?The term 'Latin' derives from the Latin word 'Latinus', referring to the people of Latium, a region steeped in rituals and ancient gods.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Italic
PI
*Lātīnus
“Of the Latins, referring to the ancient tribes of central Italy.”
Latin
Latin
Latinus
“Belonging to the Latins, associated with the land and its culture.”
Old French
Old French
latin
“Pertaining to the Latin language or culture.”
Middle English
Middle English
latyn
“The language of the Romans, used in scholarly and religious contexts.”
Modern English
English
Latin
“The classical language of ancient Rome, foundational to many modern languages.”