'adiaphora' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀδιάφορα' (adiaphora), where 'ἀ-' meant 'not' and 'διάφορα' meant 'different or distinct.'

'ἀδιάφορα' transformed into the Latin word 'adiaphora,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adiaphora.'

Initially, it meant 'indifferent matters,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.