Definition of exclusive

The word "exclusive" derives from the Latin prefix "ex" meaning "out" or "outside of," and the Latin verb "cludere" meaning "to shut" or "to close." In its original form, "exclusive" referred to something that was shut out, or excluded, from a group or place. However, in the 16th century, the meaning of "exclusive" began to shift. It came to refer to something that belonged solely to a particular group or individual, rather than being shared with others. This meaning can be seen in the phrase "exclusive rights," which has been in use since the mid-17th century. Over time, the use of "exclusive" has evolved to describe items or experiences that are highly sought after and that are not widely available to the general public. Today, "exclusive" is used to describe everything from luxury fashion brands to private clubs and events, and is often associated with wealth, privilege, and exclusivity. In summary, the word "exclusive" originated from the Latin prefix "ex" and the Latin verb "cludere," and originally meant "shut out" or "excluded." Its modern meaning, however, reflects a shift toward describing something that is highly valued and not widely accessible to the general population.