Here's a breakdown of its evolution:
* Latin: *solus* - meaning "alone"
* Italian: *solo* - meaning "alone" or "single"
* English: *solo* - adopted from the Italian word, initially meaning "alone" but later evolving to encompass the concept of a musical performance by a single person.
The word "solo" entered the English language in the 16th century, and its usage gradually shifted from simply meaning "alone" to denoting a performance by a single individual, particularly in music. This shift was likely influenced by the growing popularity of solo musical performances during that time.
So, while "solo" originally meant "alone," its current meaning of a single performance is a testament to its evolution and adaptability in language.