Etymologically
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consecutivus

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Pronunciation

  • Classical: [kõː.sɛ.kuːˈtiː.wʊs][1]
  • Ecclesiastical: [kon.se.kuˈtiː.vus][1]

Forms

cōnsecūtīvus (feminine cōnsecūtīva, neuter cōnsecūtīvum); first/second-declension adjective[1]

Etymology

It is from Latin cōnsequor (“to follow, ensue”) + -īvus, built on the past participle stem ⟨cōnsecūt-⟩.[1][2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is a Medieval Latin word.[1][2] Köbler's first source is John of Salisbury, about 1160;[2] the MLW also quotes Wolbero, of the mid 12th century, who uses the neuter as a noun, “a consequence”.[4][2]

Semantic evolution

It meant “following”: of time, in the ages that follow,[4] and of effect, “resulting from, consequent on”.[4][5] John of Salisbury uses the neuter plural for the consequences that follow from principles, and a Gascon roll of 1283 speaks of a deed “and its consequences”.[5] The neuter could also mean consequence or logical sequence, and the superstructure that rests on a foundation.[4] Later writers used it of a necessity that follows from a cause, and in grammar of words that express a consequence.[5][4]

French made consécutif from it in the 16th century, and English took consecutive from French in the 1610s.[3]

Timeline

  • mid 12th century – Wolbero uses the neuter for a consequence.[4][2]
  • c. 1160 – John of Salisbury uses the neuter plural for consequences.[5][2]
  • 1235–1249 – Alexander Minorita uses it of the ages that follow.[4][2]
  • 1283 – A Gascon roll speaks of a deed and its consequences.[5]
  • 1610s – English borrows consecutive from French.[3]

Meanings

Adjective

  1. (Medieval Latin) Following, consequent in time.[4][5][1]
  2. (Medieval Latin) Resulting, consequential.[4][5][1]
  3. (Medieval Latin, grammar) Expressing a consequence; consecutive.[5][4]

Noun

  1. (Medieval Latin, neuter) A consequence; logical sequence.[4][5]
  2. (Medieval Latin, neuter) That which rests on a foundation, a superstructure.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Mittellateinisches Wörterbuch bis zum ausgehenden 13. Jahrhundert (1967–), Munich: C. H. Beck; Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i 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