'adiaphorite' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'adiaphoros,' where 'a-' meant 'not' and 'diaphoros' meant 'different.'

'adiaphoros' transformed into the Latin word 'adiaphorus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'adiaphorite' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'indifferent to differences,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person who believes certain religious practices are non-essential.'