supine
|su-pine|
C1
🇺🇸
/suːˈpaɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˈsuːpaɪn/
lying on the back; passive
Etymology
Etymology Information
'supine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'supinus,' where 'supinus' meant 'lying on the back.'
Historical Evolution
'supinus' transformed into the Old French word 'supin,' and eventually became the modern English word 'supine' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'lying on the back,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'inactive or passive.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
lying on one's back, face or front upward.
He lay supine on the grass, gazing at the sky.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
inactive or passive, especially from indifference.
The government remained supine in the face of the crisis.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/03/07 07:51