 Track this topic | User | Thread poster: dsutherland L. informatio Latin etymology |
|---|
dsutherland
United States
|
I am trying to track down the etymology of L. informatio (concept or idea). Most IT-related sources suggest that the etymology of Eng. 'information' is from L. informare--using L. in- in the sense of 'to', to form or shape the mind. However, as a neuroscientist, it makes more sense to me that L. informatio uses L. in- in the sense of 'not', contrasting a concept or idea with something that exists 'out there, in the world'. Any comments or sources will be greatly appreciated!
Duncan
[Subject edited by staff or moderator 2009-07-29 18:37 GMT]
| | | | Flavio Ferri Benedetti 
Switzerland
Local time: 06:56
Spanish to Italian
+ ...
|
Hello Duncan!
"INFORMATIO" in Latin comes from verb INFORMO. The noun means "project, design, draft" and, sensu lato, "idea, notion, conception, representation".
Funnily enough, Santiago Segura's Etymological Dictionary says that INFORMATIO also meant "ETYMOLOGY" in Latin 
From this word comes in Latin "INFORMATOR" (he who instructs or educates).
The verb, INFORMO (INFORMARE) comes from IN + FORMO, meaning "to shape, give shape, model something" and, in figured sense, to represent ideally, to describe, to draft, to model (spiritually), to organise, to educate...
"ANIMUS BENE INFORMATUS A NATURA" (The soul naturally well organized)
VIRTUTEM INFORMARE: to get an idea of virtue...
"Informar" appears in Spanish first in 1444. "Informe" in 1734.
I hope this helps a bit?
Flavio
| | | | Flavio Ferri Benedetti
Switzerland
Local time: 06:56
Spanish to Italian
+ ...
|
Dear Duncan,
I forgot to mention, that here "IN" cannot be taken as a negative prefix.
INFORMIS is an adjective that DOES feature "in" with a negative
meaning, but then it means "WITHOUT A SHAPE" --> FORMLESS,
SHAPELESS, even DEFORMED or UGLY. Figured sense, HIDEOUS.
It is definitely not the case for "INFORMATION". Here the prefix
"in" has the other meaning.
Best wishes!
Flavio
| | | | dsutherland
United States
TOPIC STARTER |
...for taking the time to reply, Flavio!
Duncan
| | | | Angio Garbarino
Italy
Local time: 06:56
  Member (2003)
French to Italian
+ ...
MODERATOR | | Perfect explanation | Jul 30 |
Hi Fabio
Let me agree with your very clear explanation
Bye bye
Angio
| | | | Yaotl Altan
Mexico
Local time: 23:56
Member
English to Spanish
+ ...
|
Wow, Flavio, can you please suggest us a good Latin book?
thanx!
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator | L. informatio Latin etymology |
