The term sonnet derives from the Italian word sonetto (lit.'little song', from the Latin word sonus, lit.'sound'). It refers to a fixed versepoetic form, traditionally consisting of fourteen lines adhering to a set rhyming scheme.[1] Originating in 13th century Sicily, the sonnet was in time taken up in many European language areas, mainly to express romantic love at first, although eventually any subject was considered acceptable. Many formal variations were also introduced, including abandonment of the quatorzain limit - and even of rhyme altogether in modern times.