'pre-nuptial' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'prænuptialis,' where 'præ-' meant 'before' and 'nuptialis' meant 'pertaining to marriage.'

'prænuptialis' transformed into the French word 'prénuptial,' and eventually became the modern English word 'pre-nuptial.'

Initially, it meant 'before marriage,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.