inaction

Forms

inaction f (plural inactions)^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from French in- + action, with the negative prefix.^{[2][3][4][5][6]} Action itself is borrowed from Latin āctiō (1250), from agō (“to drive, do”).^[5] English inaction (1705) was perhaps modelled on the French word.^[7]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first recorded in Vaugelas in 1647, for the state of a person who does nothing, an absence of action.^[2][8][5]

Semantic evolution

The core sense, the state of someone who has stopped all work or occupation, has not changed since the 17th century.^[2][8] Anatole France used it for a lack of effective action, of ministers whose “turbulent inaction” did harm.^[8] The 1873 Larousse records a legal use, the state of someone who does not exercise a right he holds.^[8] In riding, Littré notes laisser le cheval dans l'inaction, keeping a horse standing still on its four legs so as to bend its neck.^[6]

Timeline

• 1647 – First recorded in Vaugelas.^[2][8]
• 1705 – English inaction is first recorded.^[7]
• 1873 – Larousse records the legal sense “non-use of a right”.^[8]

Meanings

Noun

1. Inaction, idleness; the absence or cessation of all activity: être condamné à l'inaction.^[4][2][8]
2. A lack of effective action: l'inaction du gouvernement.^[8]
3. (law) The state of someone who does not exercise a right that belongs to him.^[8]

Related words

• inactif
• action
• English inaction

References

1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e 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. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
5. ^ a b c Bloch, Oscar; Wartburg, Walther von (1989), Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue française, 8th ed., Paris: Presses universitaires de France
6. ^ a b Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
7. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
8. ^ a b c d e f g h i Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse