Word of the Day - 10/10/25
concomitant
/kɑn'kɑmɪtənt/(adj.): occurring with or following as a consequence
The increased stress was a concomitant problem of the new responsibilities at work.
(n.): an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another
Rapid economic growth is often accompanied by several social concomitants, such as increased urbanization.
Word Origin
The word 'concomitant' originates from Late Latin 'concomitans', the present participle of 'concomitari', meaning 'to accompany'. This verb is formed from the prefix 'con-' (meaning 'with' or 'together') and 'comitari' (meaning 'to accompany'). 'Comitari' itself derives from 'comes' (meaning 'companion'), which combines 'com-' (meaning 'with') and 'ire' (meaning 'to go'). Thus, 'concomitant' literally means 'going along with' or 'accompanying'.
Words with similar origins include 'committee' (from 'com-' + a form of 'ire' related to going, signifying a group going together), and 'count' (as in a noble title, from Old French 'conte', ultimately from Latin 'comes' meaning 'companion' or 'officer'). While 'comrade' shares a similar concept of 'being with' or 'going together', its direct etymological path is from Spanish 'camarada', making it less directly related by root than 'committee' or 'count' via 'comes'.