prevaricate etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: praevaricari ("to walk crookedly")
  • Proto-Indo-European: pre- (before) + *werk- (to do*)

Meaning

  • To speak or act in a misleading or evasive manner
  • To deviate from the truth
  • To lie or deceive

Origin

The word "prevaricate" comes from the Latin verb praevaricari, which literally means "to walk crookedly." This verb is derived from the prefix prae-, meaning "before" or "in front," and the verb werk-, meaning "to do" or "to work."

The Latin word praevaricari was originally used to describe the actions of a Roman soldier who deserted his post or betrayed his oath of allegiance. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include any form of deception or evasion.

The word "prevaricate" was first used in English in the late 16th century. It is closely related to the word "prevarication," which refers to the act of prevaricating.

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