style
/staɪl/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
στῦλος (stylos) — pillar, stake, post
Overview
Meaning Now
- A particular manner or way in which something is done, created, or performed.
- A distinctive appearance, design, or arrangement, especially in fashion or art.
- A sharp-pointed tool used for writing or incising in ancient times.
Literal older meaning
pointed instrument; writing implement
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
stile
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word originally referred to the 'stilus', a physical tool for writing in wax. Over time, the metaphor shifted from the physical tool to the character of the writing itself, eventually broadening to encompass artistic, personal, and behavioral manners.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
στῦλος
“pillar or post”
- Latin
stilus
“a pointed instrument for writing on wax tablets”
Spelling altered by confusion with the Latin verb 'stigare' (to prick).
- Old French
stile
“pen, quill, or literary manner”
- Middle English
stile
“a writing tool; a manner of expression”
- Early Modern English
style
“distinctive manner or fashion”
Spelling influenced by Latin 'stylus'.
Connections
Word parts
style
root
manner, design, or tool
Related across languages
French
style, fashion
Italian
stile
style
Spanish
estilo
style
Explore next
Related to style
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.