The word **“partisan”** has its origins in **Italian** and ultimately derives from **Latin**: 1. **Italian:** _partigiano_ (16th century) – meaning **“supporter of a party or faction.”** • This comes from **parte**, meaning **“part”** or **“faction”** (from Latin _pars, partis_, meaning “part, portion, side”). 1. **Latin:** _pars, partis_ – meaning **“part, division, share.”** • This root gives rise to many related words in English, such as **“partial,”** **“partition,”** and **“party.”** **Historical Development:** • **16th century Italy:** _Partigiano_ was used to describe **someone who was loyal to a specific political faction** or military group. • **French Influence (17th century):** The word entered French as _partisan_, maintaining its meaning of a **political or military supporter**. • **English Adoption (17th century):** The term entered English with both **political** and **military** meanings: • **Political:** A strong supporter of a cause or faction. • **Military:** A member of an irregular military force fighting against an occupying power or opposing force (e.g., resistance fighters in WWII). Thus, “partisan” retains its dual meaning of **political loyalty** and **irregular military resistance**, both stemming from the idea of being devoted to a “part” or faction. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`