melior Latin · revision 5591

+ {{infobox|confidence=uncertain|formation=inherited|attested=Naevius|origins=ine-pro *mel-}}

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+ ==Etymology==

+ It is from [[ine-pro|*mel-yōs|t=more]], a comparative of a root *mel- “much, strong”.^(de Vaan 2008)^(Köbler 2010) Cognate with [[grc|μάλα|tr=mála|t=very]] and [[grc|μᾶλλον|tr=mâllon|t=more]], and the OLD adds [[multus]] “much”.^(de Vaan 2008)^(OLD 2012) De Vaan finds the etymology weak, since the Greek words show no ''e''-grade and the root has no other derivatives.^(de Vaan 2008) Varro cites an old accusative [[m|la|meliōsem]], before /s/ became /r/.^(de Vaan 2008)^(OLD 2012)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ De Vaan and Köbler date it from Naevius.^(de Vaan 2008)^(Köbler 2010) Köbler dates Naevius c. 235–200 BC.^(Köbler 2010)

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+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It serves as the comparative of [[bonus]] “good”.^(OLD 2012)^(Gaffiot 2016) It meant better at something, more competent, of better character or more virtuous, kinder, and as a noun ''meliōrēs'' the better people.^(OLD 2012) Of things it meant finer or superior, more desirable, more suitable, more pleasing to the senses, and of circumstances more favourable.^(OLD 2012)

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+ In medieval Latin ''meliōrēs hominēs'' were vassals of standing.^(Niermeyer 1976) Its derivative [[meliōrō]] “to improve” gave Medieval Latin ''ameliōrāre'' and [[en|ameliorate]] in 1728.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 235–200 BC – Naevius uses it.^(de Vaan 2008)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * c. 250–184 BC – Plautus speaks of a slave kinder to his master than to himself.^(OLD 2012)^(Köbler 2010)

+ * 1728 – English ''ameliorate'' is recorded.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Meanings==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # [[m|en|Better]], more competent.^(OLD 2012)

+ # Of better character, more virtuous.^(OLD 2012)

+ # Kinder.^(OLD 2012)

+ # Finer, [[m|en|superior]].^(OLD 2012)

+ # More desirable; more suitable.^(OLD 2012)

+ # More favourable.^(OLD 2012)

+ # ''(Medieval Latin)'' (plural) Vassals of standing, notables.^(Niermeyer 1976)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[meliōrō]]

+ * [[meliusculus]]

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+ ==Related words==

+ * [[multus]]

+ * [[bonus]]

+ * [[optimus]]

+ * [[en|ameliorate]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}