Etymologically
Log in

satisfactio

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 18:33. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Changes in this edit History

Forms

satisfactiō f (genitive satisfactiōnis); third declension[1]

Etymology

It is from satisfaciō “to satisfy, make amends” with the suffix -tiō; ⟨satisfaciō⟩ is from satis “enough” and faciō “to do”.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Köbler's earliest source is Cicero, whom he dates 81–43 BC, and the OLD cites him for an apology.[4][2]

Semantic evolution

It was satisfaction for an offence, an apology, excuse, or compensation, as in Cicero, and in law the satisfying of a creditor, otherwise than by payment, as in Ulpian.[2][5]

In Ecclesiastical Latin it was satisfaction, amends, reparation, and the penance by which sin is atoned.[6] Isidore defines it as removing the causes of sin and not sinning again.[7] British Medieval Latin used it for compensation for a wrong or a broken contract.[8] English satisfaction (early 14th century) was first the penance a priest imposes.[3]

Timeline

  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of an apology.[2][4]
  • before 223 AD – Ulpian uses it of satisfying a creditor.[2][4]
  • c. 560–636 AD – Isidore defines it.[7][4]
  • early 14th century – English satisfaction is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Noun

  1. An apology, excuse; compensation for an offence.[2]
  2. (law) The satisfying of a creditor.[2]
  3. (Ecclesiastical Latin) Satisfaction for sin, penance, amends.[6]

Word family

  • satisfactionalis

References

  1. ^ a b Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g 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. ^ Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
  6. ^ a b Stelten, Leo F. (1995), Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Latin, Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson
  7. ^ a b Isidore of Seville, Etymologiarum sive Originum libri XX, ed. W. M. Lindsay (Oxford, 1911).
  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