Etymologically
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oppositus

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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]

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