'remit' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'remittere,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'mittere' meant 'to send.'

'remittere' transformed into the Old French word 'remettre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'remit' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to send back,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'send money' and 'cancel a debt or punishment.'