deponent adjective & noun. [dɪ'pǝʊnǝnt] LME.
[Latin deponent- pres. ppl stem of deponere: see DEPONE, -ENT.]
A. adjective. Grammar. Of a verb: passive (in Latin) or middle (in Greek) in form, but active in sense. LME.
b. noun.
1. A deponent verb. M16.

2. A person who makes a deposition under oath; a person who gives written testimony or makes an affidavit for use in court etc. M16.

► Deponent verbs were so called from the notion that they had laid aside a passive sense. In fact they were orig. reflexive.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲