The word "multifarious" comes from the Latin word "multifarius," which means "having many forms or parts." This is a combination of "multi-" meaning "many" and "-farius," which is related to "facere," meaning "to make or do." The English suffix "-ous" is added to form the adjective, giving the meaning of having many and various aspects or components. The word entered the English language in the early 17th century.