Etymology Map
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Rubric

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a heading; a set of instructions

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
ruber
Latin · ancient
"red"
red ink marked headings in manuscripts
2
Stage 2 of 3
rubrique
Old French · medieval
"red heading"
instructions printed in red
3
Stage 3 of 3
rubric
English · 1300s
"red heading"
'rubric' for a marking scheme dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Rubric’s story begins in Latin: ruber meant “red.” Red ink marked headings in manuscripts. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as rubrique. Instructions printed in red. It reached English by 1300s as rubric. 'rubric' for a marking scheme dates from the 1900s. Today, rubric means a heading; a set of instructions.