art

Word Origin & History

early 13c., "skill as a result of learning or practice," from Old French art (10c.), from Latin artem (nominative ars) "work of art; practical skill; a business, craft," from PIE *ar-ti- (cf. Sanskrit rtih "manner, mode;" Greek arti "just," artios "complete, suitable," artizein "to prepare;" Latin artus "joint;" Armenian arnam "make;" German art "manner, mode"), from root *ar- "fit together, join" (see arm (n.1)).

In Middle English usually with a sense of "skill in scholarship and learning" (c.1300), especially in the seven sciences, or liberal arts. This sense remains in Bachelor of Arts, etc. Meaning "human workmanship" (as opposed to nature) is from late 14c. Sense of "cunning and trickery" first attested c.1600. Meaning "skill in creative arts" is first recorded 1610s; especially of painting, sculpture, etc., from 1660s. Broader sense of the word remains in artless.

Fine arts, "those which appeal to the mind and the imagination" first recorded 1767. Expression art for art's sake (1824) translates French l'art pour l'art. First record of art critic is from 1847. Arts and crafts "decorative design and handcraft" first attested in the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, founded in London, 1888.

Example Sentences forart

As for art and the sciences, these did not interest them very much.

Thou,” she says to the Gifted, “art the object of my first and all-engrossing passion.

But if art has done little, nature has done wonders for Constantinople.

He felt that the deep wisdom in his art, which he had sought so far, was found.

But he did not profane that scene by the mockery of his art.

Art surely no mere clerk, but bishop or cardinal at the least.

One common grave, according to Garrick, covers the actor and his art.

Her one art was histrionics of the kind that made an individual appeal.

In short, there is a vast body of art now within the reach of everybody.

And certainly, when work is made detestable by slavery, there is no art.

art

crafts

culture

cultures

dexterity

expertise

expertise/expertness

expertises

expertness

art

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