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Where does the word "insignia" come from? It comes from Latin insignia, and was adopted directly into English (1640s).
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Where does the word "insignia" come from? It comes from Latin insignia, and was adopted directly into English (1640s).
Insignia’s story begins in Latin: insignia meant “badges.” Plural of 'insigne', mark, from 'signum', sign. It reached English by 1640s as insignia. Used as a singular in English. Today, insignia means a badge or emblem of rank.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient insignia "badges", plural of 'insigne', mark, from 'signum', sign.
- Stage 2 · English · 1640s insignia "badges of office", used as a singular in English.