Definition of grade

The word "grade" has its origin in the 14th century from the Latin word "gradus," meaning "step" or "degree." Initially, it referred to a level of elevation or a step in a staircase. Over time, the meaning expanded to include a level of quality or ranking, such as a grade of wheat or a grade of a student's performance. In the late 16th century, the term "grade" was also used in geology to describe a level or layer in the Earth's surface. In the 19th century, the word "grade" became commonly used in education to refer to a level of achievement or curriculum level, such as elementary school grade or high school grade. Today, the word "grade" is widely used in various contexts to convey a sense of level, quality, or ranking.