Egregio
/eˈɡre.dʒo/noun
An Italian word meaning distinguished or excellent, often used as a form of respectful address.
Did you know?Originally, 'egregio' meant 'outstanding' but came to describe someone whose actions were so extreme they drew attention—often for the wrong reasons!
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
egregius
“standing out, distinguished, originally from 'e grege' (out of the herd) implying exceptional nature.”
14th Century
Old Italian
egregio
“used to denote someone of high status or exceptional quality.”
18th Century
English
egregious
“initially meaning remarkably good, later took on a negative connotation of being remarkably bad.”
Modern English
English
egregious
“now primarily refers to something extraordinarily bad or shocking.”
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