Etymologically
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amplector

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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [amˈpɫɛk.tɔr][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [amˈplɛk.tor][1]

Forms

amplector (present infinitive amplectī, perfect active amplexus sum); third conjugation, deponent[1] It is also amplectō, and Livius Andronicus has the participle amploctēns.[2]

Etymology

It is from ambi- “around” and plectō “to plait, twine”.[2][1]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citation is from Livius Andronicus, of clasping in entreaty.[2] Köbler dates him 280/260 to before 200 BC.[3]

Semantic evolution

It meant to embrace lovingly, as in Plautus, and in Livius Andronicus to clasp in entreaty or for protection.[2] In Livy it meant to grasp firmly and to seize eagerly an opportunity, and in Cicero to cling to, to welcome, to take up a pursuit, and to include or treat comprehensively.[2] In Lucretius a serpent coils round, in Pliny the Elder it meant to grasp with the mind, and in Caesar to enclose within an outline.[2] Döderlein explains that amplectī is embracing, often with one arm, as a sign of calm affection, complectī clasping with both arms.[4]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant to embrace, encircle, hold fast, include, understand, love, welcome.[5]

Timeline

  • 280/260–before 200 BC – Livius Andronicus uses it of clasping.[2][3]
  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses it of embracing.[2][3]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of welcoming and including.[2][3]

Meanings

Verb

  1. To embrace; to clasp.[2]
  2. To grasp; to seize eagerly.[2]
  3. To cling to; to welcome.[2]
  4. To take up (a pursuit).[2]
  5. To comprehend.[2]
  6. To coil round; to enclose; to include.[2]

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from complector.[4]

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 k l m n o Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c d 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