classe
/klas/
noun
Origin
Latin
classis — division of the people; fleet
Overview
Meaning Now
- A group of students taught together.
- A social or economic category based on status or wealth.
- A group of items sharing common characteristics.
Literal older meaning
a summoning or drawing together
Language path
Latin → Old French → French
Earliest form
classe
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originates from the Roman practice of dividing citizens into 'classes' for military service (the census classification). Over time, it transitioned from a military/political distinction to a general classification system.
Evolution
- Latin
classis
“a division of citizens; a fleet”
Originally derived from *calare (to call/summon).
- Middle French
classe
“division or group”
Connections
Word parts
class-
root
group/division
Explore next
Related to classe
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.