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Deponent: meaning, definitions and examples

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deponent

 

[ dɪˈpəʊnənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A person who testifies under oath or affirmation, usually in a legal proceeding but outside of the courtroom, providing written testimony instead of appearing in person.

Synonyms

affiant, declarant

Examples of usage

  • He was considered a deponent in the case, providing a sworn statement instead of attending the trial.
  • The deponent's written testimony was submitted as evidence in the court proceedings.
Context #2 | Noun

grammar

A verb that has active meaning but passive form, often found in Latin and other languages.

Synonyms

passive-active verb

Examples of usage

  • In Latin, the verb 'loquitur' is a deponent verb, meaning 'he speaks', but it has a passive form.
  • The deponent verb 'confiditur' in Latin means 'he trusts', even though it has a passive form.

Translations

Translations of the word "deponent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deponente

🇮🇳 गवाह

🇩🇪 Zeuge

🇮🇩 penyaksi

🇺🇦 декларант

🇵🇱 deponent

🇯🇵 供述者 (kyōjutsusha)

🇫🇷 déposant

🇪🇸 declarante

🇹🇷 tanık

🇰🇷 증언자 (jeung-eonja)

🇸🇦 المودع

🇨🇿 deponent

🇸🇰 deponent

🇨🇳 证人 (zhèngrén)

🇸🇮 izpovedovalec

🇮🇸 vitni

🇰🇿 куәгер

🇬🇪 დამკვირვებელი

🇦🇿 şahid

🇲🇽 declarante

Etymology

The word 'deponent' originates from the Latin word 'deponens', which means 'laying aside'. In ancient Rome, a deponent verb was seen as a verb that 'lays aside' its active voice form to take on a passive meaning. Over time, the term expanded to include legal contexts, referring to a person who provides written testimony under oath. The use of 'deponent' in grammar and law has evolved, reflecting its dual meanings in different fields.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,459, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.