literature

Where does the word "literature" come from? It comes from Latin litteratura, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Literature’s story begins in Latin: litteratura meant “writing, grammar.” From 'littera', letter. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as litterature. Book learning. It reached English by 1300s as literature. The sense 'written works' dates from the 1700s. Today, literature means written works of artistic value.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient litteratura "writing, grammar", from 'littera', letter.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval litterature "learning", book learning.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s literature "learning", the sense 'written works' dates from the 1700s.