6 Words Whose Meanings Have Changed Over Time

In the long term, language is very dynamic. Not only have grammar and punctuation preferences changed quite a bit over the years; some words have come into and out of usage over time, and others have remained in use but changed in meaning entirely. 

The reasons for shifts in word meanings vary—some coincide with shifts in cultural norms, while others result from a natural and inevitable broadening of meaning over time. Literally is a good example of the latter; the word used to mean "in a very real, tangible, and absolute sense" but is now used much more loosely for simple emphasis (e.g., "I can't wait for lunch . . . I'm literally starving."). 

Other shifts in word meaning are more drastic. Below are eight examples of words whose meanings have changed somewhat significantly over time. 

1. Cute: Cute used to be a shortened version of the word acute and was used to describe folks that were quick-thinking or mentally sharp. Beginning in the 1800s, it began to shift toward its current meaning of "adorable" or "pretty." 
2. Nice: Originally, nice, from the Latin nescius, meant "ignorant." It later evolved to refer to anyone with a reserved or shy disposition. From there, it came to mean "polite," and now, its meaning has broadened to describe anything good or pleasant.
3. Myriad: Myriad used to refer to a specific number—10,000. Now it simply means "very many." 
4. Fantastic: Fantastic used to refer strictly to things that were the products of fantasy—in other words, things that were imaginary or fictional. Sometime in the 1900s, its definition shifted and broadened to mean "wonderful." 
5. Silly: Silly originally meant "blessed" or "spiritually worthy," whereas it now means "unimportant," "comical," or "not very serious."
6. Clue: Originally, clue meant "ball of yarn." Now, it refers to any item or piece of information that helps further an investigation or line of questioning. 

Examining how words change in meaning over time is a unique and interesting way to peer into the collective consciousness of the past. For more etymological insights, go explore the Online Etymological Dictionary and investigate some of your favorite words!

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What Are Apostrophes For?

Apostrophes can serve one of two purposes. They can . . .

1. indicate the omission of one or more letters in a contraction (e.g., "don't," "we're," he's," etc.), or they can . . . 
2. indicate possession (e.g., "my mother's watch," "our forefathers' crimes," "the cat's favorite toy, "etc.). 

Here are a few instances in which apostrophes should not be used: 

• Dates (e.g., "the 1980's")
• Pluralized capital-letter acronyms (e.g., "UFO's")
• Pluralized words in general (e.g., "I've got 10 or so microwave's for sale.")

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Paige Davanzo

Paige Davanzo is a doll-collecting enthusiast and a newer member of the HubPages community. Check out their articles about where to buy retired American Girl dolls and the American Girl 35th Anniversary Collection on HobbyLark.

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