'statesmanship' originates from the English word 'statesman,' where 'state' referred to a political entity and 'man' referred to a person.

'statesman' evolved from the Middle English word 'stateman,' which referred to a man involved in public affairs, eventually becoming 'statesman' in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'a man involved in public affairs,' but over time it evolved to emphasize the skill and wisdom in managing public affairs.