august

The word 'august' entered English in the mid-17th century directly from the Latin 'augustus', an adjective meaning 'consecrated, venerable, majestic'. This Latin term was famously adopted as a title by the first Roman emperor, Gaius Octavius, who became Augustus Caesar, lending the word a strong association with imperial dignity and grandeur. The root of 'augustus' is believed to be connected to the Latin verb 'augēre', meaning 'to increase', suggesting a sense of that which is exalted or worthy of being magnified. Over time, the English word 'august' evolved from its specific imperial context to describe anything that inspires profound respect and admiration due to its majestic and dignified character.

The word is a simplex. It is a direct borrowing of the Latin adjective 'augustus', meaning 'consecrated, venerable, majestic'.