class
/klæs/
noun
Origin
Latin
classis — a division of the Roman people, a fleet
Overview
Meaning Now
- A set or category of things having some property or attribute in common and differentiated from others by kind, type, or quality.
- A group of students or pupils who are taught together in a course of study.
- A social stratum or division of society based on economic or social status.
Literal older meaning
a summoning, a calling out
Language path
Latin → English
Earliest form
classis
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term derives from the Roman military and census system. Servius Tullius divided the Roman people into five 'classes' based on wealth, determining their military obligation. The term evolved from military organization to general categorization, and later into educational and social stratification contexts.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*kel-
“to shout, to call”
The root suggests the original meaning was a 'summons' of men into service or groups.
- Latin
classis
“division, fleet, army”
Originally referred to the classes of the Roman citizenry liable for military service.
- 17th century English
class
“category, school group”
Adopted into scholarly English for categorization.
Connections
Word parts
class
root
division
Explore next
Related to class
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.