imposture etymology

Etymology:

• French: imposture
• Latin: impostor, meaning "deceiver"
• Proto-Indo-European: *em-, *ep-, meaning "on top"

Meaning:

• The act or practice of deceiving people by pretending to be someone or something that one is not.
• A person who pretends to be someone they are not, especially in order to deceive.

Origin:

The word "imposture" entered the English language in the 16th century from the French "imposture." The French word derives from the Latin "impostor," which literally means "one who places on top." In a metaphorical sense, this refers to someone who covers up their true identity or intentions with a false one.

The Proto-Indo-European root "*em-, *ep-" means "on top." This root is also found in other English words such as "eminent" and "emperor." In the case of "imposture," the root implies that the deceiver is placing themselves above or over others by assuming a false identity.

imposture relate terms

• impost

  Etymology The word impost comes from the Latin word impositus which means a charge

• impostor

  Etymology The word impostor comes from the Latin word impostor which means pretend

• depot

  Etymology The word depot originates from the Old French word depot which is derived

• prestige

  Etymology The word prestige comes from the French word prestige which in turn comes

• deceit

  Etymology The word deceit originates from the Old French word deceit which in turn c

• dissimulation

  Etymology French word dissimuler meaning to conceal pretend disguise Ultimately

• deception

  Etymology Old French decepcion 13th century Latin deceptio act of deceiving decept

• burgeon

  Etymology The word burgeon originates from the Middle French word bourjon meaning

• subtle

  Etymology Sub Latin prefix meaning under slightly or less Tilis Latin adjec

• imperative

  Etymology The word imperative is derived from the Latin word imperare meaning to co

• orange

  Etymology Late Middle English as an adjective from Old French orenge from orenge f

• fleece

  Etymology The word fleece comes from the Old English word fleece which is derived fr