Etymologically
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negatio

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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [nɛˈɡaː.ti.oː][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [neˈɡat.t͡si.o][1]

Forms

negātiō f (genitive negātiōnis); third declension[1]

Etymology

It is from negō “to deny” with the suffix -tiō.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citations are from Cicero, of denial.[2] Köbler's first source is the Rhetorica ad Herennium, which he dates 86/82 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant a denial, a refusal, and the act of negating, as in Cicero.[2] Döderlein explains that negāre is to deny from objective motives, with the truth in view.[5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant denial, negation.[6] Medieval Latin used it for a renouncement and a refusal.[7] British Medieval Latin used it for a negative statement, as distinct from an affirmation.[8] It survives in Italian negazione and French négation, and through Old French it gave English negation in the early 15th century.[1][3]

Timeline

  • 86/82 BC – The Rhetorica ad Herennium uses it.[4]
  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of denial.[2][4]
  • early 15th century – English negation is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Noun

  1. A denial; a refusal.[2]
  2. Negation.[2]
  3. (Medieval Latin) A renouncement.[7]

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 Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
  6. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  7. ^ a b Niermeyer, J. F. (1976), Mediae Latinitatis Lexicon Minus, Leiden: Brill
  8. ^ 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