quiddity etymology

Etymology:

  • Ultimate origin: Latin "quidditas" (thatness, essence, being or nature of things)
  • Intermediate origin: Middle English "quiddite"

Meaning:

  • The essential nature or characteristic quality of something
  • A subtle or philosophical argument

Origin:

The term "quiddity" originates from the Latin word "quidditas," which was used in the 13th century by Thomas Aquinas and other medieval philosophers to describe the essence or nature of things. It was derived from the Latin pronoun "quid" (what) and the suffix "-itas" (condition or state), thus meaning "whatness" or "thatness."

In medieval philosophy, "quiddity" referred to the defining qualities that made something what it was, as opposed to other things. It was used to categorize and classify objects and concepts based on their essential properties.

Over time, "quiddity" gained a more nuanced meaning as it was used in discussions about the nature of reality, logic, and epistemology. It came to refer to subtle or philosophical arguments that attempt to define the essence of something or prove its existence.

In modern usage, "quiddity" is often employed in a more satirical or ironic sense to describe obscure or highly technical arguments that seem to be more about abstract concepts than practical applications. It can also be used to highlight the elusive or enigmatic nature of something.

quiddity relate terms

  • quid

    Etymology The word quid has several possible etymologies Late Latin From quid me

  • quiddity

    Etymology Ultimate origin Latin quidditas thatness essence being or nature of thi

  • quibble

    Etymology The word quibble derives from Middle English quibulen early 13th century

  • cheese

    Etymology The word cheese originates from the Latin word caseus which means cheese

  • either

    Etymology Origin Latin etumos true from Greek etymos true genuine Meaning Th

  • hidalgo

    Etymology Spanish hidalgo lt Medieval Latin infídālgo from in not fidālgu

  • kickshaw

    Etymology Middle English kickeshawes plural meaning dainty food Origin Possibly

  • neither

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing

  • neuter

    Etymology The word neuter derives from the Latin word neuter which itself originate

  • quality

    Etymology The word quality derives from the Latin word qualitas which means nature

  • quandary

    Etymology The word quandary comes from the Old French word quandenier which means

  • quantity

    Etymology The word quantity comes from the Latin word quantus which means how much

  • quasar

    Etymology The word quasar is a portmanteau of quasi stellar and radio source Mea

  • quasi

    Etymology The word quasi is derived from the Latin word quasi which means as if o

  • query

    Etymology The word query originated in the late 14th century from the Old French word

  • quibble

    Etymology The word quibble derives from Middle English quibulen early 13th century

  • quiddity

    Etymology Ultimate origin Latin quidditas thatness essence being or nature of thi

  • quidnunc

    Etymology Latin quid nunc meaning what now Meaning A quidnunc is a person who

  • quip

    Etymology The word quip is of uncertain origin The Oxford English Dictionary OED sug

  • quodlibet

    Etymology and Origin Quodlibet is a Latin word derived from the phrase quod libet meanin

  • quondam

    Etymology Derived from the Latin word quondam meaning formerly once or at one

  • quorum

    Etymology Latin quōrum Ancient Greek khōrós army that divides the enemy s ranks

  • quote

    Etymology The word quote originates from the Latin verb cotare which means to mark

  • quotidian

    Etymology The word quotidian is derived from the Latin word quotidiānus which mean

  • quotient

    Etymology The word quotient comes from the Latin word quotiens which means how many

  • ubiquity

    Etymology Latin ubiquitas presence everywhere Late Latin ubiquitous present eve

  • what

    Etymology Greek etymos true and logos word Meaning The study of the origi

  • when

    Etymology Meaning The study of the origin of words and the way their meanings have chan

  • whence

    Etymology The word whence is derived from the Old English word hwanon which means f

  • where

    Etymology Etymology refers to the study of the origin history and development of words

  • whether

    Etymology Meaning The study of the origin and history of words Origin From the Greek

  • which

    Etymology Greek eidos form idea logos study discourse Meaning The stu

  • whither

    Etymology Whither is an archaic interrogative adverb that means to what place or condi

  • whoever

    Etymology Word Whoever Origin Old English hwā swa hwa meaning who anyone ever

  • whom

    Etymology Old English hwām Proto Germanic hwaz Proto Indo European kwos who M

  • whose

    Etymology The term etymology originates from the Greek word etymon meaning true se

  • quibble

    Etymology The word quibble derives from Middle English quibulen early 13th century

  • cavil

    Etymology The word cavil has its origins in the Latin word cavilla which means a j

  • essence

    Etymology Old French essence Medieval Latin essentia from Latin esse meaning to be

  • recent

    Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words etymon meaning true m

  • center

    Etymology Old English center centre lt Middle English centre center lt Latin centr

  • substance

    Etymology The word substance is derived from the Latin word substantia which means

  • earth

    Etymology The word earth derives from the Old English word eorþe which itself is d

  • heart

    Etymology The word heart comes from the Old English word heorte which is related to

  • equivocation