vates etymology

Etymology

The word "vates" derives from the Proto-Indo-European root wāt-, meaning "to blow" or "to breathe." This root is also the source of the following words:

  • Latin "ventus" (wind)
  • Greek "anēmos" (wind)
  • Sanskrit "vāta" (wind)
  • Old English "wind"

Meaning and Origin

In Latin, "vates" originally referred to a person who prophesied or foretold the future. These individuals were believed to receive divine inspiration or knowledge through the wind, which was seen as a symbol of the gods' breath. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to a poet, bard, or singer.

Usage

In English, "vates" is a somewhat archaic term that is rarely used outside of literary contexts. It is sometimes employed to describe a poet who is considered to be inspired or prophetic in nature.

Examples

  • "The vates of ancient times were thought to have access to divine knowledge."
  • "William Blake is often considered one of the great vates of English literature."

vates relate terms

  • wood

    Etymology and Origin The word wood comes from the Middle English word wude which is

  • Odin

    Etymology The name Odin has its origins in the Proto Germanic language The following

  • prophet

    Etymology Ancient Greek προφήτης prophētēs Latin propheta Meaning A

  • vates

    Etymology The word vates derives from the Proto Indo European root wāt meaning to b

  • Edda

    Etymology Old Norse Edda Meaning Great grandmother or ancestress poetic term

  • faith

    Etymology The word faith comes from the Latin word fides which means trust confid

  • assiduous

    Etymology Latin assiduus constant diligent Proto Indo European h₂ses to se

  • echo

    Etymology The word echo comes from the Greek êkhô which means a sound that is re

  • exuberant

    Etymology Latin exuberant is from exuberare meaning to overflow to be abundant

  • tabernacle

    Etymology The word tabernacle comes from the Latin word tabernaculum which means t

  • America

    Etymology America derives from the feminine Latin name Amerigo which is the Latinized

  • literature

    Etymology The word literature is derived from the Latin word littera which means le

  • parliament

    Etymology The word parliament comes from the Old French word parlement which is der