Etymologically
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amens

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 15:41. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [ˈaː.mẽːs][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈaː.mens][1]

Forms

āmēns (genitive āmentis, comparative āmentior, superlative āmentissimus); third-declension one-termination adjective[1]

Etymology

It is from ā- “away from”, a form of ab-, and mēns “mind”.[2][1]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's first source is Plautus, whom he dates c. 250–184 BC.[3] The OLD's earliest citations are from Cicero.[2]

Semantic evolution

It meant out of one's mind, insane, and greatly excited, frantic, as in Cicero.[2] Döderlein explains that āmentia shows itself passively, the āmēns being without reason, while dēmentia shows itself actively and wildly.[4]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant insane.[5] British Medieval Latin used it for demented, scared out of one's wits, madly excited.[6] It survives in Italian and Spanish amente.[1]

Timeline

  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it.[3]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of the insane and frantic.[2][3]

Meanings

Adjective

  1. Out of one's mind, insane.[2]
  2. Frantic, distracted.[2]

Word family

  • āmentia

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from dēmēns.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  4. ^ a b Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
  5. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  6. ^ 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