'jurisprudence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'jurisprudentia,' where 'juris' meant 'of law' and 'prudentia' meant 'knowledge.'

'jurisprudentia' transformed into the French word 'jurisprudence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'jurisprudence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'knowledge of law,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the theory or philosophy of law.'