Plural of advertisement; public notices or announcements designed to promote products, services, or ideas.
From Latin advertere (to turn toward), combining ad- (to) and vertere (to turn). Evolved through Old French avertir meaning 'to warn or notify,' eventually developing the commercial sense of drawing attention to goods or services.
The word 'advertisement' originally meant simply 'paying attention' or 'taking notice' - the commercial meaning emerged because merchants wanted to 'turn' customers' attention toward their wares, making modern advertising literally about the ancient art of directing human focus.
Mass advertising (1920s-present) systematically targeted women as primary consumers while depicting them in narrow domestic and beauty roles, establishing stereotypical gender associations that persist in ad targeting and imagery today.
When creating or referencing ads, ensure diverse representation across gender, age, and body type. Avoid gendered product targeting (e.g., 'women's razors' marketed as luxury vs. 'men's razors' as functional).
["marketing materials","promotional content","announcements"]
Women pioneered advertising strategy (Helen Lansdowne Resor, 1908) and consumer research, yet are historically underrepresented in advertising leadership and overrepresented as objects rather than decision-makers in ad content.
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