grade

Where does the word "grade" come from? It comes from Latin gradus, and was adopted directly into English (1510s).

Grade’s story begins in Latin: gradus meant “a step, a degree.” A step, a degree, a stage. It reached English by 1510s as grade. Settled as the English word for a level or rank in a scale. Today, grade means a level of rank, quality, or value on a defined scale.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient gradus "a step, a degree", a step, a degree, a stage.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1510s grade "a level or rank in a scale of quality or value", settled as the English word for a level or rank in a scale.