deponent

1 of 2

adjective

de·​po·​nent di-ˈpō-nənt How to pronounce deponent (audio)
: occurring with passive or middle voice forms but with active voice meaning
the deponent verbs in Latin and Greek

deponent

2 of 2

noun

1
: a deponent verb
2
: one who gives evidence

Examples of deponent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
As all deponents are instructed, Mr. Ryan was directed not to guess, assume or speculate in his deposition. Josh Noel, chicagotribune.com, 25 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin deponent-, deponens, from Latin, present participle of deponere

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deponent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near deponent

Cite this Entry

“Deponent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deponent. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deponent

noun
de·​po·​nent
di-ˈpō-nənt
: a person who gives evidence

Legal Definition

deponent

noun
de·​po·​nent
di-ˈpō-nənt
: a person who gives a deposition compare affiant, witness

More from Merriam-Webster on deponent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!