The Short Answer:
The word "news" is derived from the Old English word "nēow," meaning "new."
The Longer Answer:
* Old English: The word "nēow" was used to describe something that was "new" or "recent." It was a common adjective used in everyday speech.
* Middle English: Over time, "nēow" evolved into "newes," a plural noun used to describe "new things" or "recent happenings." This shift occurred as "newes" started being used to refer to specific events.
* Early Modern English: By the 16th century, the word "newes" was shortened to "news," and it became the standard term for "information about current events."
The Evolution of Meaning:
It's important to note that the concept of "news" has evolved alongside its name. Initially, "newes" was used for a broad range of new information, from personal gossip to official announcements. As printing technology developed and newspapers emerged, "news" became increasingly focused on reporting current events, often with a political or social slant.
In Summary:
The word "news" traces back to a simple Old English adjective meaning "new." As the way we gather and consume information changed, so too did the word "news" evolve to encompass a more specific and structured form of information.