Considering the origin of the word "soldier", it will be rather surprising to learn that it was formed from the Italian word "soldo" ("solidus"). This is a coin that first appeared in 379 under Emperor Constantine. This term denoted a mercenary whose services were purchased for small money, therefore, his life has the same low price. The origin of the word "soldier" and its meaning will be discussed in this article.
Dictionary value
When studying the origin of the word "soldier", it is necessary to refer to the dictionary, which sets out the interpretation of this term.
- This is the primary, lower, junior military rank (also private) in the armies of most states. A synonym for this term is words such as "serviceman" or "conscript".
- In a broad sense, this is a military person who has any rank, experience in military affairs, one who has military qualities.
- Figurativelythis is a member of a movement (organization) who has dedicated himself to serving certain goals and objectives.
- Specials in insects responsible for protecting the uterus, such as ants, termites, wasps.
In the Middle Ages, this term was used to refer to mercenaries of various branches of the armed forces, today the expression "soldiers of fortune" is used - for example, employees of the French Foreign Legion.
History of Appearance
Considering the origin of the word "soldier", it should be noted that it first appeared around 1250 in Italy. So called mercenaries who received money for military service. As mentioned earlier, the word "soldier" comes from the Italian soldo coin, which was quite small in denomination. In other words, the term specifically emphasized the fact that the life of a warrior has an extremely low price and is actually equal to this small bargaining chip.
In Russia, the word "soldier" has become widespread since the beginning of the 17th century in the regiments of the "new system" (military units created from free people, servicemen, Cossacks, foreigners, and other mercenaries modeled on the armies of Europe). Not only ranks were borrowed, but also training methods, as well as quantitative distribution into companies, regiments, etc.
Spread the term
Studying the meaning of the word soldier, it is necessary to consider its further development. For example, this term acquired the meaning of "lower rank" (and not just a mercenary warrior, that is, without comparing it with the branch of service) during the reign of Catherine II.
The word was used to refer to the military with some interruptions until 1917. From this time until 1945, terms such as:
- Red Army;
- fighter;
- Private;
- enlisted soldier.
In the Armed Forces of the USSR, "soldier" as a category has been introduced since the middle of 1946 and is currently used in the Russian Armed Forces.
In art
Military themes have always been popular in the art of various cultures. For example, in Soviet times, the film “Soldier Ivan Brovkin”, which told about service in the ranks of the Soviet army, enjoyed great love among the audience. In addition, they treat with special respect the tapes telling about the Great Patriotic War. In them, most often the main character becomes a simple Soviet soldier.
Along with movie characters, there are also literary characters who have won the love of readers. These include the satirical hero Joseph Schweik, created by the Czech author J. Hasek. His works were humorous despite the fact that the action took place during the war. Also very popular in the Soviet Union was the soldier Vasily Terkin. His adventures were described by A. T. Tvardovsky.
Currently, almost every year, films are released in which one of the main characters is a soldier who steadfastly and with dignity endures the harsh military everyday life.
