Here's a breakdown of its evolution:
* Latin "fata": This word originally referred to the "Fates," three goddesses in Roman mythology who controlled the threads of life and determined a person's destiny.
* Old French "faerie": The French adopted the Latin "fata" as "faerie," which initially meant "fate," "destiny," or "magic." Over time, the word shifted to encompass the beings who were often associated with fate and magic – fairies.
* Middle English "faerie": The English language borrowed the word "faerie" from Old French, using it to refer to both "fate" and "fairy."
* Modern English "fairy": Over centuries, the word "fairy" evolved from the broader "faerie" to specifically denote the small, magical beings we know today. While "faerie" remains a literary and poetic form, it's less common in everyday speech.
The shift from "fate" to "fairy" is a testament to the power of language and its adaptability. The original association with destiny and magic remained, but the word's meaning evolved to focus on the beings who embodied those qualities.