Word of the Week: October 23, 2000
Proudley Prudely Able

The word proud comes from Old French prod ("good, capable, brave"), which comes from Latin prodesse ("to be of advantage, to be useful"). From that same root, prodesse, we get prude, prowess, and pride. Prude comes from a French expression prudefemme ("wise woman"). So if you're a prude, be proud!

Words of the Week are written by Dr. Jacques A. Bailly.