exploratus
This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 20 October 2026 at 05:11. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Forms
explōrātus (feminine explōrāta, neuter explōrātum; comparative explōrātior, superlative explōrātissimus); first/second-declension participle[1]
Etymology
Used as an adjective, it is the past participle from Latin explōrō (“to search out, examine”).[1][2][3]
Earliest recorded meaning
Köbler dates it from Plautus.[3] In Terence a character looks round to see whether all is safe enough.[1]
Semantic evolution
It means not open to doubt, certain, and in law established: Cicero says someone's consulship already seemed assured to him.[1] It is also safe, secure, and with ab clear of something, as in Terence.[1] Of persons or things it is well tried or proved, as Cicero's well-founded confidence of crushing a man, and Gellius uses the superlative of a judgement made at a most carefully chosen time.[1]
Timeline
- c. 250–184 BC – Plautus.[3]
- 190–159 BC – Terence of safety.[1]
- 81–43 BC – Cicero of a certain consulship.[1]
- c. 165 AD – Gellius of a judicious choice.[1]
Meanings
Adjective
- Certain, sure;[1] (law) established.[1]
- Safe, secure; clear of.[1]
- Well tried, proved; judiciously chosen.[1]
Related words
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
- ^ Lewis, Charlton T.; Short, Charles (1879), A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
- ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de