'negligence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'negligentia,' where 'neg-' meant 'not' and 'legere' meant 'to pick up or choose.'

'negligentia' transformed into the Old French word 'negligence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'negligence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'failure to pick up or choose,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'failure to take proper care.'