The term “agency” is derived from the Latin word “agentia,” which is derived from “agens,” meaning “doing” or “acting.”
Etymology:
1. Latin
- Word: agentia
- Meaning: The state of doing or acting
2. Middle English (c. 12th to 15th century CE)
- Term: agency
- Meaning:
- The capacity or state of being able to act or exert power.
- A business or organization that acts on behalf of others, typically in a professional capacity.
- Derived from: Latin agentia
3. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
- Term: Agency
- Meaning:
- The capacity or state of being able to act or exert power to achieve a particular purpose or goal.
- A department, bureau, or organization authorized to perform specific functions or tasks, often within a government or corporate context.
Summary:
The word “agency” comes from the Latin word “agentia,” which originally referred to the state of doing or acting. In Middle English, it expanded to denote both the capacity or state of being able to act or exert power, and a business or organization that acts on behalf of others. In Modern English, it continues to encompass both meanings, referring to the capacity or state of being able to act or exert power to achieve a particular purpose or goal, as well as a department, bureau, or organization authorized to perform specific functions or tasks, often within a governmental or corporate context.