Continuons notre série sur l’étymologie (l’origine des mots). Cette semaine, un mot anglais que vous connaissez sûrement, “to travel”, qui signifie en français voyager, et qui dérive de manière surprenante du mot français “travail” !

Did you know that TRAVEL comes from the French word TRAVAILLER (to work)? Here is why

The connection between the English word “travel” and the French word “travailler” (to work) is a fascinating example of linguistic evolution. Here’s how these seemingly unrelated words share a common origin.

“Travel” and “travailler : common Etymology

Both “travel” and “travailler” (to work) trace their roots back to the Latin word “tripalium“.

 This term originally referred to an instrument of torture consisting of three stakes, which later evolved to describe various forms of suffering or arduous labor.

Semantic Evolution

In Old French, the verb “travailler” initially meant “to torture” or “to suffer”.

Over time, it came to signify “obliged exertion” or “to work hard”.

In Norman French, “travailler” also developed the meaning “to go on a trip”.

“Travailler” : from French to English

The Norman conquest of England in 1066 brought many French words into the English language:

The Old French “travailler” entered Middle English as “travelen”.

Initially, it retained connotations of difficulty, meaning “to make a laborious journey“.

By the late 14th century, it had evolved into the modern English “to travel”.

Why the Meaning Shifted ?

The shift from “work” to “travel” in English likely occurred because:

1. Journeys in medieval times were often arduous and challenging
2. The word captured the effort and suffering involved in long-distance travel of the era.

Modern Usage

Today, while “travel” in English has lost its connection to work or suffering, the French “travailler” retains its meaning of “to work.”

In conclusion, the etymological journey from “tripalium” to “travel” and “travailler” showcases how words can evolve dramatically in meaning across languages and time, while still retaining traces of their shared history.

 

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