aorist

noun

ao·​rist ˈā-ə-rəst How to pronounce aorist (audio)
: an inflectional form of a verb typically denoting simple occurrence of an action without reference to its completeness, duration, or repetition
aorist adjective
or aoristic
aoristically adverb

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin aoristos, from Greek, from aoristos undefined, from a + horistos definable, from horizein to define — more at horizon

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aorist was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near aorist

Cite this Entry

“Aorist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aorist. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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