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

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

Initially, it meant 'before the proper time,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.