'literati' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'literatus', where 'littera' meant 'letter'.

'literati' changed from the Latin word 'literatus' (meaning 'learned, lettered') and entered English usage (via Italian/Latin forms) as 'literati' to refer to learned people.

Initially, it meant 'lettered' or 'learned' (one who knows letters), and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the learned or literary elite'.