Etymology Map
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Variety

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means the quality of being different

Where does the word "variety" come from? It comes from Latin varietas, passing through French before entering English (1530s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
varietas
Latin · ancient
"diversity"
from 'varius', various
2
Stage 2 of 3
varieté
French · 1500s
"variety"
French 'variétés' were music-hall shows, giving 'variety show'
3
Stage 3 of 3
variety
English · 1530s
"diversity"
'variety show' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

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.