'congressional' originates from the Latin word 'congressus,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'gradi' meant 'to step or go.'

'congressus' transformed into the French word 'congres,' and eventually became the modern English word 'congress' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a meeting or coming together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to a legislative body.'