Etymologically
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editorial

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 14:35. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˌɛdɪˈtɔːɹɪəl/ (UK); /ˌɛdɪˈtɔɹiəl/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is formed from editor and -ial.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Of or pertaining to an editor: 1741 in Etymonline, 1744 in the OED and MWU.[2][4][3]

Semantic evolution

Of writing in a newspaper by the editor, as distinct from contributors, it is from 1802.[4][2] The noun, a newspaper article by or for the editor, is American English from 1830.[2][4][3] The editorial we, used by a single writer, is from 1841.[4] Editorially is from 1818.[4] A broadcast commentary giving the opinion of a station is a later sense.[5]

Timeline

  • 1741 – of an editor.[2]
  • 1802 – of newspaper writing.[4]
  • 1830 – the noun.[4]
  • 1841 – editorial we.[4]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. An article in a newspaper or magazine giving the opinion of its editors or publishers.
  2. A radio or television commentary giving the opinion of the station.

Adjective

  1. Of or relating to an editor or editing.
  2. Of the content of a publication, as opposed to its advertising or business side.
  3. Of or like an editorial, especially in giving an opinion.

Word family

  • editorially
  • editorialist
  • editorialize
  • noneditorial
  • advertorial
  • editorial we

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  5. ^ The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin