diva

Where does the word "diva" come from? It comes from Latin diva, passing through Italian before entering English (1800s-1900s).

Diva’s story begins in Latin: diva meant “goddess.” Meaning "goddess", the feminine of "divus" (divine). By 1800s, the word had taken hold in Italian as diva. Applied admiringly to a celebrated female opera singer. It reached English by 1800s-1900s as diva. Italian 'goddess', from Latin 'diva'; used of great opera sopranos such as Adelina Patti. Today, diva means a celebrated female singer or performer, sometimes seen as demanding.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient diva "goddess", meaning "goddess", the feminine of "divus" (divine).
2. Stage 2 · Italian · 1800s diva "a celebrated female singer", applied admiringly to a celebrated female opera singer.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1800s-1900s diva "a celebrated and sometimes temperamental performer", Italian 'goddess', from Latin 'diva'; used of great opera sopranos such as Adelina Patti.