deponent

[ dih-poh-nuhnt ]

adjective

1. Classical Greek and Latin Grammar. (of a verb) appearing only in the passive or Greek middle-voice forms, but with active meaning.

noun

1. Law. a person who testifies under oath, especially in writing.
2. Classical Greek and Latin Grammar. a deponent verb, as Latin loquor.

deponent

/ dɪˈpəʊnənt /

adjective

1. grammar (of a verb, esp in Latin) having the inflectional endings of a passive verb but the meaning of an active verb

noun

1. grammar a deponent verb
2. law
   1. a person who makes an affidavit
   2. a person, esp a witness, who makes a deposition

Word History and Origins

Origin of deponent¹

1520–30; < Latin dēpōnent- (stem of dēpōnēns ) putting away ( Medieval Latin: testifying), present participle of dēpōnere. See depone, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of deponent¹

C16: from Latin dēpōnēns putting aside, putting down, from dēpōnere to put down, depone

Example Sentences

And this deponent expressly declares, that every offer made by Major Andr to them was promptly and resolutely refused.

From Project Gutenberg

Next day a friend of Duny's told deponent that a certain old woman was severely burned.

From Project Gutenberg

On hearing this, deponent went to the old woman's house, and found her grievously scorched.

From Project Gutenberg

Subsequently Jones told deponent that ever since the old hag kissed his hand he felt ill.

From Project Gutenberg

Filmore spoke to this Deponent several times about rising upon the Pyrates, whilst this Depont.

From Project Gutenberg