What is the word origin of genre?

The word "genre" originates from the Latin word "genus", meaning "kind," "sort," or "type." It entered the English language in the 16th century, and its meaning has evolved over time to specifically refer to a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content.

Here's a breakdown of its journey:

1. Latin "genus": The root of the word lies in the Latin word "genus," meaning "kind" or "type."

2. Medieval Latin "genus": In Medieval Latin, "genus" was used to describe specific categories of things, including literary works.

3. Early English "genre": The word "genre" first appeared in English in the 16th century, borrowing the Medieval Latin meaning of "kind" or "type" applied to works of art or literature.

4. Modern English "genre": Over time, the meaning of "genre" became more specific, referring to a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition defined by its particular style, form, or content.

Therefore, the word "genre" essentially means "kind" or "type" in its origin and evolved to specifically refer to categories of artistic expression.