'colleague' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'collega,' where 'col-' meant 'together' and 'legare' meant 'to choose or appoint.'

'collega' transformed into the French word 'collègue,' and eventually became the modern English word 'colleague' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a person chosen together with another,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person with whom one works.'