'tedium' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'taedium,' where 'taedium' meant 'weariness or disgust.'

'taedium' transformed into the Old French word 'tedie,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tedium' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'weariness or disgust,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'monotony or tediousness.'