sophisticate etymology

Etymology:

• sophisticate (adj.): from French sophistique ("sophistical, artificial"), from Late Latin sophisticus ("sophistical, clever"), from Greek sophistikós ("clever, wise"), from sophistés ("wise man, sophist")

Meaning:

• (of a person or their tastes) having refined and elegant manners, knowledge, or taste
• (of an idea or action) showing evidence of advanced thought or careful planning
• (of a substance) purified or refined

Origin:

The word sophisticate derives from the Greek sophistés, which originally referred to a wise man or philosopher. In the 5th century BC, sophists became known for their ability to argue both sides of a question without committing to a definitive stance. This eventually led to the word sophist acquiring a negative connotation, implying someone who is clever but dishonest or deceptive.

By the 17th century, the word sophisticate had come to be used in a more positive sense, referring to someone who is knowledgeable, refined, and worldly. This usage has persisted to the present day.

sophisticate relate terms

• sophisticated

  Etymology From Latin sophisticatus past participle of sophisticare meaning to ad

• sophisticate

  Etymology sophisticate adj from French sophistique sophistical artificial fro

• sophistication

  Etymology Originated from the Latin sophisticus meaning pertaining to the sophists

• sophist

  Etymology The word sophist σοφιστής is derived from the Greek word sophos

• doctor

  Etymology The word doctor derives from the Latin word docēre meaning to teach M

• twist

  Etymology The word twist comes from the Old English word twist or twyst which ulti

• adult

  Etymology The word adult originates from the Latin word adultus which means grown

• stretch

  Etymology The word stretch comes from the Middle English word streccan which in tur

• civilize

  Etymology Middle English civiles from Latin civilis pertaining to a citizen from c

• load

  Etymology Origin Ancient Greek etymos meaning true or real Meaning The study o

• school

  Etymology The word school originates from the Greek term skholē which originally m

• refine

  Etymology Origin Old French raffiner derived from the Late Latin raffinare meaning

• complicate

  Etymology Latin complicare com together plicare to fold Meaning Compl

• educate

  Etymology Latin educare e out ducere to lead Meaning To lead out