absolutus Latin · revision 32564

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=116–27 BC, Varro|origins=la solvō}}

+

+ ==Forms==

+ '''absolūtus''' (feminine absolūta, neuter absolūtum, comparative absolūtior, superlative absolūtissimus); first/second-declension adjective^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is the past participle of [[m|la|absolvō|t=to release; to complete]], used as an adjective.^(OLD 2012)^(Lewis & Short 1879)^(Köbler 2010) [[m|la|absolvō]] is from [[m|la|ab-]] and [[m|la|solvō|t=to loosen]], which de Vaan explains as a compound of [[m|la|sē-|t=away]] and ⟨-luō⟩ "to loosen".^(de Vaan 2008)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The OLD's earliest quotation is from Varro's ''Menippean Satires'': a dinner is complete only when it has all four of its parts.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010) Köbler dates it from Cicero.^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It is complete, perfect, and as praise accomplished: Pliny the Elder writes of a hero painted in a most finished work.^(OLD 2012) ⟨annus absolūtus⟩ is the great year.^(OLD 2012) Pliny also calls gold pure, and the ''Rhetorica ad Herennium'' uses it of an argument complete in itself.^(OLD 2012) In the jurists it is unconditional, as an outright gift is distinguished from a gift in prospect of death.^(OLD 2012) Quintilian uses it of the positive degree in grammar and of a free, fluent mouth.^(OLD 2012) Church Latin glosses it perfect, complete, absolute.^(Stelten 1995) In medieval Latin an absolūtus estate is one in the owner's own hands, not leased out.^(Niermeyer 1976)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 116–27 BC – Varro of a complete dinner.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it.^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 23/24–79 AD – Pliny the Elder of a finished painting and pure gold.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * c. 35–95/96 AD – Quintilian of the positive degree.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 1st half of 3rd century AD – Paul of an unconditional gift.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # [[m|en|complete|alt=Complete]], finished, [[m|en|perfect]]; accomplished;^(OLD 2012)^(Stelten 1995) ''annus absolūtus'', the great year.^(OLD 2012)^(Stelten 1995)

+ # Of substances, pure; of an argument, complete in itself.^(OLD 2012)

+ # Unqualified, [[m|en|unconditional]]; unambiguous; [[m|en|absolute]].^(OLD 2012)^(Stelten 1995)

+ # ''(grammar)'' In the [[m|en|positive]] degree.^(OLD 2012)

+ # Of speech, free, fluent.^(OLD 2012)

+ # ''(Medieval Latin)'' Of an estate, in the owner's own hands.^(Niermeyer 1976)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[absolvo|alt=absolvō]]

+ * [[absolute|alt=absolūtē]]

+ * [[absolutio|alt=absolūtiō]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}