improbe Latin · revision 31891

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=c. 250–184 BC, Plautus|origins=ine-pro *pro-bʰ(h₂)u-o-}}

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''improbē''' (comparative improbius, superlative improbissimē)^(OLD 2012)

+ It is also spelled ''inprobē''.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|la|improbus|-ē|t1=bad, wicked]], the adverb of the adjective.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010) The adjective is the negative of [[m|la|probus|t=good, upright]], which de Vaan traces to [[itc-pro|*pro-f(w)-o-|t=favourable]] and [[ine-pro|*pro-bʰ(h₂)u-o-]].^(de Vaan 2008) Cognate with [[xum|prufe|t=correctly]].^(de Vaan 2008)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Its first example in the OLD is in Plautus, “if you know of anything I have done foolishly or wrongly”.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It means without moral principle, wrongfully or dishonestly, and in politics with unsound views, as in Cicero's letters to Brutus.^(OLD 2012) It also means shamelessly or insolently, as Cicero's guest who drove them out by his insolent answers and disgusting belching, and immodestly, as Catullus' kisses snatched too wantonly.^(OLD 2012) Seneca uses it of a far-fetched style and Vitruvius of going too far, and in Columella, in a non-moral sense, it means improperly.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 250–184 BC – Plautus of acting wrongly.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero of insolent answers.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 81/79–52/50 BC – Catullus of wanton kisses.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 4 BC–65 AD – Seneca of a far-fetched style.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Adverb===

+ # [[m|en|wrongfully|alt=Wrongfully]], [[m|en|dishonestly]]; with unsound political views.^(OLD 2012)

+ # [[m|en|shamelessly|alt=Shamelessly]], insolently, wantonly; in a far-fetched style; excessively.^(OLD 2012)

+ # Improperly, amiss.^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[improbus]]

+ * [[probe|alt=probē]]

+ * [[probus]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}