Etymologically
Log in

aeque

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 00:17. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Changes in this edit History

Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [ˈae̯.kʷeː][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈɛː.kʷe][1]

Forms

aequē (comparative aequius, superlative aequissimē)[1]

Etymology

It is from Latin aequus (“level, even, equal”) + -ē, an adverb.[2][1] De Vaan finds no convincing etymology for ⟨aequus⟩, probably from ⟨*aikwos⟩.[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Its earliest source is Plautus.[4][2] Köbler dates Plautus c. 250–184 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

Its commonest use was to an equal degree, as much, equally, alike, as in Plautus, Ennius and Terence; it also meant level, in a level manner, and in the same proportion, uniformly, as in Vitruvius; likewise, also, aequē ut “just as”, as in Seneca; and equitably, justly, fairly, as in Cicero.[2][5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant equally, in like manner, and aequē ac as well as.[6] British Medieval Latin also used it for at an equal distance, on equal terms, and in balance in accounts.[7]

Timeline

  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it.[2][4]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of fairness.[2][4]
  • c. 84–c. 25 BC – Vitruvius uses it of levelness.[2][4]

Meanings

Adverb

  1. To an equal degree, as much, equally, alike.[2]
  2. Level, in a level manner; uniformly.[2]
  3. Likewise, also, aequē ut, just as.[2]
  4. Equitably, justly, fairly.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ de Vaan, Michiel (2008), Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the other Italic Languages, Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series 7, Leiden; Boston: Brill
  4. ^ a b c d e Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
  6. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  7. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press