myEtymology.com: English etymology of adultery

Etymology of the English word adultery

the English word adultery

derived from the English word adulterie

derived from the Old French word adultere

derived from the Latin word adulterium (adultery; blending, mixing of different strains)

derived from the Latin word adulter (adulterer; illicit lover, paramour; forged, counterfeit; debased; impure, adulterated; mixed)

derived from the Latin word adulterare (commit adultery, defile)

using the Latin prefix ad- (to, in addition)

derived from the Latin word ad (to; near; to; to; to; near)

derived from the Latin word alterare

derived from the Latin word alter (one; second, another; second, further, next)

derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *al-

The earliest known usage of adultery in English dates from the 15th century.

Word found in Modern English