Etymologically
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saepe

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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [ˈsae̯.pɛ][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [ˈsɛː.pe][1]

Forms

saepe (comparative saepius, superlative saepissimē)[1] An inscription has the superlative saipisume.[2]

Etymology

It is probably the neuter of an adjective ⟨*saepis⟩ “compact, close”, related to saepēs “hedge”.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citations are from Ennius, of something happening many times.[2] Köbler's first source is Plautus; he dates Ennius 204–169 BC.[3]

Semantic evolution

It meant many times, often, as in Ennius, who also uses it for “in many cases”.[2] From Plautus the comparative saepius meant more often, and the superlative saepissimē very often.[2] Döderlein explains that saepe is often as opposed to semel “once” and semper “always”, while crēbrō and frequenter are opposed to rārō “seldom”.[4]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it meant often, repeatedly, also as saepenumerō.[5] British Medieval Latin used it for many times, frequently.[6]

Timeline

  • 204–169 BC – Ennius uses it.[2][3]
  • c. 250–184 BC – Plautus uses the comparative and superlative.[2][3]

Meanings

Adverb

  1. Often, frequently.[2]
  2. saepius, more often, saepissimē, very often.[2]
  3. In many cases.[2]

Word family

  • persaepe
  • saepiculē
  • saepiuscule
  • saepenumerō

Usage notes

Döderlein distinguishes it from crēbrō and frequenter.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c d Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  4. ^ a b Döderlein, Ludwig (1874), Döderlein’s Hand-book of Latin Synonymes, tr. H. H. Arnold, Andover: W. F. Draper
  5. ^ Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  6. ^ 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