'inexpensive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'expensivus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'expensivus' meant 'costly.'

'expensivus' transformed into the French word 'expensif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'expensive' through Middle English. The prefix 'in-' was added to form 'inexpensive.'

Initially, 'expensivus' meant 'costly,' but with the prefix 'in-,' it evolved into its current meaning of 'not costly.'