'anent' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'anent', which was derived from Old English 'on efen', where 'on' meant 'on' and 'efen' meant 'even' or 'level with'.

'anent' changed from the Old English phrase 'on efen' to Middle English 'anent', and eventually became the modern English word 'anent'.

Initially, it meant 'alongside' or 'opposite to', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'concerning' or 'about'.