style etymology

Etymology

The word "style" originated from the Latin word "stilus," which means a "pointed instrument used for writing on wax tablets."

Meaning

• A distinctive manner of expression in language, art, or music:
  • "She writes with a unique and distinctive style."
  • "The painting has an abstract style that is reminiscent of Kandinsky."
• A particular genre, form, or type:
  • "She specializes in the literary style of haiku."
  • "The movie is a period piece set in the Victorian style."
• A way of dressing or behaving that reflects personal taste:
  • "She has a classic and elegant style."
  • "His style of communication is very direct and assertive."

Origin

The word "stilus" was first used in Roman times as a writing tool. It was a pointed metal or bone instrument that was used to inscribe letters onto wax tablets. The wax tablets were reusable, so the stylus could be used to make revisions or erase mistakes.

Over time, the word "stilus" came to be used metaphorically to refer to a person's way of writing. This usage is first attested in the 1st century AD in the writings of the Roman poet Horace. By the 16th century, the word "style" had taken on its modern meaning of a distinctive manner of expression.

style relate terms

• stick

  Etymology The word stick comes from the Old English word sticca which meant a shor

• sting

  Etymology The word sting originates from the Old English word stingan meaning to pi

• substance

  Etymology The word substance is derived from the Latin word substantia which means

• stylus

  Etymology The word stylus is derived from the Latin word stilus which means pointed

• title

  Etymology The word title originates from the Old French word titre which in turn is

• vogue

  Etymology Late Middle English from Middle French vogue from Old French voguer to row

• Gothic

  Etymology The word Gothic derives from the Latin gothus which is derived from the G

• canzone

  Etymology Canzone is an Italian word derived from the Latin cantio meaning song

• Baskerville

  Etymology The surname Baskerville is of English origin derived from the Old English pers

• direction

  Etymology The word direction comes from the Latin word directio which means a strai

• name

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It is a branch of historica

• mane

  Etymology Old English manu Proto Germanic manw Proto Indo European men to th