Words Origin CategoryGovernment & Politics

The Etymology of “parliamentarian”: The Fascinating Story Behind This Word

August 5, 2026 | | Bella Sungkawa

The term “parliamentarian” derives from Middle English *parlamenter*, itself borrowed from Old French *parlementaire* and ultimately from Latin *parlamentum* “a speaking together,” a noun formed from *parlare* “to speak.” It entered English in the late 14th century to describe a member or supporter of a parliamentary body.

Where Does “Candidate” Come From? The White-Robed Office-Seekers of Rome

June 22, 2026 | | Bella Sungkawa

“Candidate” comes from Latin candidatus, meaning “clothed in white.” In ancient Rome, those seeking public office wore a toga candida — a toga whitened with chalk — to signal their openness and purity to voters. The gleaming white garment was a visual appeal for trust. The same Latin root gives us “candid” (frank, white = pure), “candor,” “candle,” and “incandescent.”