problema

Pronunciation

• IPA (Classical): [prɔˈbɫeː.ma]^[1]
• IPA (Ecclesiastical): [proˈblɛː.ma], [ˈprɔː.bli.ma]^[1]

Forms

problēma n (genitive problēmatis); third declension^[1]

Etymology

It is borrowed from Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (próblēma, “something put forward, a question; obstacle”),^[1][2] from προβάλλω (probállō, “to throw before, put forward”).^[3][4]

Earliest recorded meaning

Seneca the Elder, in the Controversiae, uses it in the plural.^[5][6] Köbler dates Seneca 4 BC–65 AD.^[3]

Semantic evolution

It was a question proposed for solution, a problem, puzzle or riddle, a post-Augustan word.^[2] Suetonius uses it in his work on grammarians, and Gellius cites the Problēmata physica, a work of Aristotle, with Greek-style plural forms such as problēmatōrum.^[2][5][6] Apuleius uses it too.^[6]

British medieval writers used it of a difficult question or a riddle, as Aldhelm of riddles explained in verse.^[7] English problem is recorded in the late 14th century.^[4]

Timeline

• 4 BC–65 AD – Seneca the Elder uses it.^[5][3]
• c. 75–c. 150 AD – Suetonius uses it.^[2][3]
• c. 165 AD – Gellius cites Aristotle's Problems.^[5][3]
• late 14th century – English problem is recorded.^[4]

Meanings

Noun

1. A question for solution, a problem; a puzzle, riddle.^[2][1]

Word family

• problēmaticus

Related words

• English problem

References

1. ^ a b c d e Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e Lewis, Charlton T.; Short, Charles (1879), A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon 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 Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
5. ^ a b c d Georges, Karl Ernst (1913–1918), Ausführliches lateinisch-deutsches Handwörterbuch, 8th ed., ed. Heinrich Georges, Hannover; Leipzig: Hahn
6. ^ a b c Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
7. ^ 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