Latin "res" (thing)
* This word, meaning "thing" or "matter," was the foundation of the concept of "reality."
Medieval Latin "realis" (pertaining to things)
* "Realis" evolved from "res" and signified something "pertaining to things" or "having to do with reality."
Old French "real" (royal, kingly)
* The word entered Old French as "real," but its meaning shifted to "royal" or "kingly." This was likely due to the association of kings with power and authority, which were seen as "real" things.
Middle English "real" (genuine, true)
* When "real" entered Middle English, it gained the meaning of "genuine" or "true." This shift likely occurred because the concept of royalty was associated with authenticity and genuineness.
Modern English "real" (actual, existing)
* Over time, the meaning of "real" broadened to encompass the concept of "actual" or "existing." This is the primary sense of the word today.
Interesting Note: The connection between "real" and "royal" is still evident in some contexts. For example, the "Royal Family" is seen as a symbol of real power and authority.
Therefore, the word "real" has undergone a fascinating evolution, starting from a simple concept of "thing" and ultimately evolving to represent the concept of "actual" or "existing."