deponent
|de-po-nent|
🇺🇸
/dɪˈpoʊnənt/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈpəʊnənt/
testify or passive form
Etymology
'deponent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deponens', where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'ponere' meant 'to put'.
'deponens' transformed into the English word 'deponent' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to lay down or put aside', but over time it evolved into its current meanings related to testimony and grammar.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who testifies or gives a deposition under oath, especially in writing.
The deponent provided a detailed account of the events.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
(In grammar) A verb form that is passive in form but active in meaning, especially in Latin and Greek.
In Latin, 'loquor' is a deponent verb meaning 'I speak'.
Last updated: 2025/05/31 10:38