sir
/sɜːr/
noun
Origin
Latin
senior — elder, older
Overview
Meaning Now
- A formal term of address for a man, especially one to whom respect is due.
- A title placed before the first name of a knight or baronet.
Literal older meaning
elder, senior
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
sire
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The term originated from the Latin 'senior'. In medieval times, 'sire' was a general term for a man of status. As English evolved, 'sire' became restricted to formal address for monarchs or fathers, while 'sir' became the generalized polite address for men.
Evolution
- Latin
senior
“elder”
- Vulgar Latin
*seior
“elder/lord”
Loss of medial n
- Old French
sire
“lord, father, master”
- Middle English
sir
“form of address for a knight or superior”
Clipping of 'sire'
Connections
Word parts
sir
root
a title of respect derived from elder
Related across languages
French
sire
lord/ruler
Spanish
señor
mister/sir
Italian
signore
mister/gentleman
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Related to sir
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.