Some people say that alter derives from αλλότε??ος (allotterοs ), which is the Aeolic form of αλλότ?ιος (allotrios ) [foreign, different, one as different from another]. See: http://ewonago.blogspot.com/
Some other say that alter is a combination of the Greek words άλλος + έτε?ος (allos+eteros) (other, different, oposite).
Finally, others say that alter is just the Latin word alter.
Is there another theory?
What do you think?
ALTER (Is this an English word of Greek origin ???)
- Neos
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The best authority for these questions is the OED:
a. 14th c. Fr. altére-r (Pr. or It. alterar) ad. med.L. altera-re, f. alter other.
So it's from a late Latin verb built upon alter.
As with so much Latinate vocabulary in English, this word got filtered through French first.
a. 14th c. Fr. altére-r (Pr. or It. alterar) ad. med.L. altera-re, f. alter other.
So it's from a late Latin verb built upon alter.
As with so much Latinate vocabulary in English, this word got filtered through French first.
William S. Annis — http://www.aoidoi.org/ — http://www.scholiastae.org/
τίς πατέρ' αἰνήσει εἰ μὴ κακοδαίμονες υἱοί;
τίς πατέρ' αἰνήσει εἰ μὴ κακοδαίμονες υἱοί;
- Lucus Eques
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Neos, I appreciate that you have given consideration to my critique. This is good. Open mindness is extremely important.
I would like you to consider something else: what is the source for these interpretations of etymology? You say here that, perhaps there is one of two direct Greek origins for "alter," for example, or a Latin origin. I insist (as I believe will the majority insist) that the Latin origin is the correct one.
How do I know this?
It is the source of my understanding. I can cite this reference from Webster (and countless others, including Latin dictionaries) that demonstrate the origin of "alter" :
*** http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alter
Main entry: al·ter
Pronunciation:
\ˈȯl-tər\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
al·tered; al·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Etymology:
Middle English, from Medieval Latin alterare, from Latin alter other (of two); akin to Latin alius other — more at else
Date:
14th century
transitive verb
1 : to make different without changing into something else
2 : castrate, spay
intransitive verb
: to become different
***
This source and others confirm my "theory." What references (published, mind you, and formal) confirm your theory?
I would like you to consider something else: what is the source for these interpretations of etymology? You say here that, perhaps there is one of two direct Greek origins for "alter," for example, or a Latin origin. I insist (as I believe will the majority insist) that the Latin origin is the correct one.
How do I know this?
It is the source of my understanding. I can cite this reference from Webster (and countless others, including Latin dictionaries) that demonstrate the origin of "alter" :
*** http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alter
Main entry: al·ter
Pronunciation:
\ˈȯl-tər\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
al·tered; al·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Etymology:
Middle English, from Medieval Latin alterare, from Latin alter other (of two); akin to Latin alius other — more at else
Date:
14th century
transitive verb
1 : to make different without changing into something else
2 : castrate, spay
intransitive verb
: to become different
***
This source and others confirm my "theory." What references (published, mind you, and formal) confirm your theory?
- Neos
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To Lucus Eques
Thank you for your constructive comments and your polite manners.
Best regard
John Neos
Best regard
John Neos
- IreneY
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Sure you can! You just have to try a little harder! lol Remember the old saying about the flies and the honey and vinegar?IreneY wrote:I am sorry but I can't be polite
Lisa: Relax?! I can't relax! Nor can I yield, relent, or... Only two synonyms? Oh my God! I'm losing my perspicacity! Aaaaa!
Homer: Well it's always in the last place you look.
Homer: Well it's always in the last place you look.
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