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Where does the word "variety" come from? It comes from Latin varietas, passing through French before entering English (1530s).
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Where does the word "variety" come from? It comes from Latin varietas, passing through French before entering English (1530s).
Variety’s story begins in Latin: varietas meant “diversity.” From 'varius', various. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as varieté. French 'variétés' were music-hall shows, giving 'variety show'. It reached English by 1530s as variety. 'variety show' dates from the 1800s. Today, variety means the quality of being different.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient varietas "diversity", from 'varius', various.
- Stage 2 · French · 1500s varieté "variety", French 'variétés' were music-hall shows, giving 'variety show'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1530s variety "diversity", 'variety show' dates from the 1800s.