'premature' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praematurus,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'maturus' meant 'ripe or mature.'

'praematurus' transformed into the Old French word 'premature,' and eventually became the modern English word 'premature' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'before being ripe or mature,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'occurring too early.'