literati etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: litteratus ("learned, lettered")
• Late Latin: litteratus ("one who is learned in literature")
• Old French: litere ("a man of letters")
• Middle English: literat ("a man of learning")
• 18th century: literati ("learned persons collectively")

Meaning and Origin:

The term "literati" originally referred to individuals who were well-educated and learned in literature, especially in ancient Greek and Latin classics. It was commonly used in ancient Rome to describe educated citizens.

Over time, the meaning of "literati" broadened to include anyone with a high level of education and cultural refinement. It came to be applied to writers, poets, scholars, artists, and intellectuals who were active in the literary and artistic scenes of their time.

The term "literati" was particularly significant during the Enlightenment period in Europe, when a group of influential intellectuals and philosophers played a major role in shaping intellectual and cultural thought. The literati of this era included figures such as Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau, and Alexander Pope.

Today, the term "literati" is still used to refer to highly educated and cultured individuals, particularly those who are involved in literary pursuits.

literati relate terms

• literate

  Etymology The word literate is derived from the Latin word litteratus which means

• letter

  Etymology The word letter originates from the Old French word lettre which is deriv

• glitterati

  Etymology The word glitterati is a plural noun derived from the Italian word glittera

• glitter

  Etymology The word glitter derives from the Old Norse word glitra meaning to shine

• literati

  Etymology Latin litteratus learned lettered Late Latin litteratus one who is l

• clerisy

  Etymology From Middle English clergiesie from Old French clergiesie from Latin cleric

• sister

  Etymology Old English sweostor Proto Germanic swestr Proto Indo European swesor Mea

• indigenous

  Etymology The term indigenous comes from the Latin word indigena which means native

• hallucinate

  Etymology Hallucinate is derived from the Latin word hallucinari which means to b

• shoe

  Etymology The word shoe comes from the Old English word scōh meaning footwear T

• lead

  Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

• accident

  Etymology The word accident comes from the Middle English word accident which in tu

• clean

  Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f

• precipitation

  Etymology precipitare Latin to fall rush down prae Latin prefix before down

• disdain

  Etymology The word disdain comes from the Old French word desdaignier meaning to