'expensive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'expensivus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'pendere' meant 'to weigh or pay.'

'expensivus' transformed into the Old French word 'expensif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expensive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'involving expenditure,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'costing a lot of money.'