Companion
A person you spend time with; a close associate
Language Origin
Latin / Old French
Entered English
13thth century
The Story Behind the Word
Companion comes from the Medieval Latin companio, built from com- (together with) + panis (bread). The literal meaning is "one who shares bread with you."
This reflects the deep social bond of eating together — sharing a meal was (and still is) one of the most fundamental acts of companionship and trust. A companion is literally someone you break bread with.
The same panis root gives us pantry (where bread is kept), panini (Italian bread rolls), and the Spanish pan (bread). The prefix com- also appears in company, companion, community — all built around togetherness.
Example in Context
"They had been faithful companions on every journey for thirty years."
Did You Know?
The word "company" comes from the same root — originally meaning a group of people who eat bread together.
