grammatica

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [ɡramˈma.tɪ.ka], [ɡramˈma.tɪ.kaː]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ɡramˈmaː.ti.ka], [ɡramˈmaː.ti.ka]^[1]

Forms

grammatica f (genitive grammaticae); first declension^[1]

Etymology

It is short for ⟨ars grammatica⟩, a partial calque of Ancient Greek γραμματική (grammatikḗ) ⟨τέχνη⟩ “art of letters”, from γραμματικός (grammatikós, “of letters”), from γράμμα (grámma, “letter”).^[1][2][3] A Greek form ⟨grammaticē⟩ is also found, as in Quintilian.^[2][4] Isidore calls it the science of speaking correctly, the origin and foundation of the liberal arts.^[5]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's first source is Cicero, whom he dates 81–43 BC.^[3] The Rhetorica ad Herennium already has ars grammatica.^[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant the study of language and literature, grammar in the ancient sense, including the explanation of texts and literary criticism as well as grammar proper, as in Cicero and Quintilian.^[2][4]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant grammar.^[6] British Medieval Latin used it for the study of Latin language and grammar, a correct form, and a grammar book.^[7] Old French gramaire, an irregular semi-popular adoption of it, gave English grammar in the late 14th century, “Latin grammar”.^[8]

Timeline

• 86/82 BC – The Rhetorica ad Herennium uses ars grammatica.^[4][3]
• 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of grammar.^[4][3]
• c. 35–95/96 AD – Quintilian uses grammaticē.^[4][3]
• late 14th century – English grammar is recorded.^[8]

Meanings

Noun

1. The study of language and literature, grammar.^[2]
2. (Medieval Latin) A grammar book.^[7]

Related words

• grammaticus
• English grammar
• English grammatical

References

1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
3. ^ a b c d e Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
4. ^ a b c d e f Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
5. ^ Isidore of Seville, Etymologiarum sive Originum libri XX, ed. W. M. Lindsay (Oxford, 1911).
6. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
7. ^ a b 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
8. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com