oppositus

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [ɔpˈpɔ.sɪ.tʊs]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [opˈpɔː.s̬i.tus]^[1]

Forms

oppositus (feminine opposita, neuter oppositum); first/second-declension adjective^[1]

Etymology

It is the participle of oppōnō “to set against”, from ob- and pōnō “to put”.^[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citation is from Caesar, of something forming a barrier.^[2] Köbler dates Caesar c. 50 BC.^[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant situated so as to form a barrier, as in Caesar, and in Ovid situated in front and hostile, opposed.^[2]

The fourth-declension noun oppositus meant the placing of a barrier, as in Cicero, and in Gellius the setting of arguments against each other.^[2] Ecclesiastical Latin uses it for an opposing, intervention, citation against.^[5] It survives in Spanish opuesto and French opposé, and through Old French it gave English opposite in the late 14th century.^[1][3]

Timeline

• c. 50 BC – Caesar uses it of a barrier.^[2][4]
• 81–43 BC – Cicero uses the noun of interposing.^[2][4]
• 43 BC–18 AD – Ovid uses it of the hostile.^[2][4]
• late 14th century – English opposite is recorded.^[3]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Situated in front.^[2]
2. Forming a barrier.^[2]
3. Hostile, opposed.^[2]

Related words

• oppōnō
• pōnō
• English opposite

Usage notes

The noun oppositus, -ūs means interposition, opposition.^[2]

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 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 d Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
5. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson