Where does “reformation” come from?
Reformation derives from Latin reformatio, formed from re- and forma meaning "shape," which comes from Ancient Greek μορφή and ultimately Proto-Indo-European wer-.
reformation (English): An improvement in the existing form or condition...
Definitions
- An improvement in the existing form or condition...
Ancestry of “reformation”, step by step
reformation traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via Middle English reformacioun
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | reformacioun | Restoration, reestablishment of a preceding situation |
| 2 | Middle French | reformation | — |
| 3 | Latin | reformatio | reform, reformation, change |
| 4 | Latin | refōrmō | to transform, reshape, remold |
| 5 | Latin | rĕ- | back, backwards |
| 6 | Latin | prōdūcō | to lead or bring forth, forward or out |
| 7 | Latin | prō- | forward direction, forward movement |
| 8 | Proto-Italic | *pro- | pro- see the Latin entry for further meanings |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | pro- | toward, forward |
| 10 | Proto-Indo-European | por- | to give birth; forward, through; going, passage |
| 11 | Proto-Indo-European | per- | before, in front; first; to go through |
| 12 | Proto-Indo-European | pr̥tós | passed , crossed |
via English formation
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | formation | Something possessing structure or form; The act... |
| 2 | Old French | formacion | — |
| 3 | Latin | fōrmātiō | The act of shaping, forming or fashioning |
| 4 | Latin | -tiō | tion, -ation, -ing |
| 5 | Latin | dissertātiō | (spoken) dissertation, discourse, disquisition |
| 6 | Latin | dissertus | arranged, disposed; explained |
| 7 | Latin | disserere | second-person singular future passive indicative... |
| 8 | Latin | dis- | asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;... |
| 9 | Latin | calceus | shoe |
| 10 | Latin | calx | limestone; chalk; the finish line |
| 11 | Ancient Greek | χάλιξ | small stone, pebble; gravel, rubble |