From Latin *apprehendere* ("to seize, grasp, take hold of"), composed of *ad-* ("toward") + *prehendere* ("to take, grab"). The metaphor of physically "grasping" something evolved into the intellectual act of grasping knowledge. The same Latin root gives English "apprehend" and "comprehend."

In Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase *nunca es tarde para aprender* ("it's never too late to learn") is a widely used proverb, reflecting a broadly held value of lifelong learning. Note that *aprender* means to learn/acquire knowledge, while *enseñar* means to teach — a common mix-up for English speakers who sometimes confuse the two directions.