News meaning origin

The word "news" has a fascinating history, and its meaning has evolved over time.

Origin: The word "news" comes from the Old English word "nōwes," which means "tidings" or "intelligence." This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*nawiz," which is also the source of the Modern German word "Nachricht" (meaning "news" or "intelligence").

Middle English (circa 1100-1500): During the Middle English period, the word "news" referred to any new or recent information, often of a public or official nature. For example, a "news" might be a royal proclamation, a military victory, or a significant event.

Early Modern English (circa 1500-1800): In Early Modern English, the meaning of "news" expanded to include any fresh or recent information, regardless of its significance or importance. The word became more widely used in everyday language, and newspapers began to emerge as a means of disseminating news to the public.

Modern English (circa 1800-present): In Modern English, the word "news" typically refers to reports of current events, often presented in a formal or structured format, such as a news article, broadcast, or online publication. News can cover a wide range of topics, including politics, business, sports, entertainment, and more.

Etymology: The etymology of "news" is closely tied to the concept of "tidings" or "intelligence." In Old English, "nōwes" referred to the act of conveying or sharing information, rather than the information itself. This sense of "news" as a means of communication or transmission has been retained in Modern English, where "news" often implies the dissemination of information to a wider audience.

In summary, the word "news" has evolved from a term referring to official or public announcements in Old English to a broader concept of recent or fresh information in Modern English. Its meaning has expanded to encompass a wide range of topics and formats, while retaining its core sense of conveying intelligence or tidings to others.