Hello fellow pupils,
I have decided to write on the term sophistication. Below, you will find three definitions: parenthetical, sentence and expanded on this term. Upon researching the term you will find that there are various uses and definitions for the term. Since I had chosen this word, upon watching a documentary on the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, my definitions focus on the social quality of sophistication.
Parenthetical Definition:
To become the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, was expected to possess inordinate sophistication (a measure of refinement).
Sentence Definition:
Term:
Sophistication
Class:
Quality
Distinguishing Features:
Characteristics by which an individual is considered to possess ‘worldly wisdom’
Expanded Definition:
The term sophistication originates from the Greek term ‘sophistikos’ (of/or pertaining to a sophist), from ‘sophistes’ (master or teacher), and all rooting from the Greek term ‘sophos’ (wise). Greek ‘sophistes’ came to describe individuals who were paid for their intellectual instruction, and at Athens, these individuals were contrasted with “philosophers” and “poets”.
Sophistication, therefore, is attributed to a measure of qualities of possessing ‘worldly wisdom’ stemming from education and/or from worldly experience. Those who possess qualities of sophistication –‘sophisticates’ — are those who possess refined tastes and knowledge of social importance.
Visual:
Figure 1: “Test your sophistication!”
Image from https://s3.amazonaws.com/lowres.cartoonstock.com/class-sophistication-test-glass-drink-beverage-ibn0004_low.jpg
References:
“Definition of ‘Sophisticate’.” Take Heed/Pay Heed Definition and Meaning | Collins English Dictionary, www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/sophisticate.
“Etymology of Sophistication, Sophisticated.” English Words of (Unexpected) Greek Origin., 24 June 2012, ewonago.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/etymology-of-sophistication-sophisticated/.
“Sophistication (n.).” Index, www.etymonline.com/word/sophistication.
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