compatriote

Forms

compatriote m or f by sense (plural compatriotes)^[1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Late Latin compatriota, formed from patriota with cum (“with”), and probably a calque of Ancient Greek συμπατριώτης (sumpatriṓtēs).^[2][3][1]

Earliest recorded meaning

The TLFi's first record is of 1396, from a document cited by Fagniez; the GLLF adds an adjectival use in 1465, the date the Petit Robert gives.^[2][4][5] In the 16th century Montaigne writes of finding a compatriote in Hungary.^[6]

Semantic evolution

The word named a person from the same country and, figuratively, one bound to another by a moral tie or common interests.^[3] It is also used of people from the same region or locality within a country.^[2][4] It produced the rare compatriotisme (1840) and compatriotique (1861).^[3][2]

Timeline

• 1396 – First record, cited by Fagniez.^[2][7]
• 1465 – Used as an adjective.^[4]
• 16th century – Montaigne uses it of fellow countrymen.^[6]
• 1840 – Compatriotisme appears.^[3]
• 1861 – Compatriotique appears.^[2][3]

Meanings

Noun

1. A person from the same country as another, a fellow countryman or countrywoman: nous avons rencontré des compatriotes à Lisbonne.^[5][2]
2. A person from the same region or locality; compare concitoyen.^[5][4]

Word family

• compatriotisme
• compatriotique

Related words

• patriote
• patrie
• Late Latin compatriota

References

1. ^ a b c Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c d e Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c d Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
5. ^ a b c Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
6. ^ a b Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
7. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert