Definition of advert

The word "advert" has its roots in Latin. In its original form, "advertere" means "to turn towards" or "to direct attention to something". This Latin phrase was later adapted into Middle English as "advertire", which essentially carried the same meaning. In the 13th century, the verb "advert" emerged, meaning "to direct attention to" or "to draw attention to something". This word was initially used in a broader sense, encompassing not only advertisements but also warnings, cautions, or alerts. Over time, the meaning of "advert" narrowed to specifically refer to public notices or announcements, particularly in the context of business, commerce, or entertainment. Today, the word "advert" is often used as a synonym for "advertise" or "to promote a product or service through advertising".