'paramour' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'par amour,' where 'par' meant 'by' and 'amour' meant 'love.'

'par amour' transformed into the Middle English word 'paramour,' and eventually became the modern English word 'paramour.'

Initially, it meant 'by love,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a lover, especially in an illicit relationship.'