iniquity
/ɪˈnɪkwɪti/
noun
Origin
Latin
iniquitas — unevenness, inequality, injustice
Overview
Meaning Now
- Immoral or grossly unfair behavior.
- A particular immoral or unfair act; a sin.
Literal older meaning
lack of equity
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
iniquite
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word entered English during the Middle English period, heavily influenced by theological discourse regarding sin and moral inequality. It often appears in historical literature, such as the 'iniquity play' or 'morality play' tradition, where the character of 'Iniquity' served as a personification of evil.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
iniquitas
“unevenness, injustice”
Derived from in- (not) + aequus (fair/equal).
- Old French
iniquité
“injustice, wickedness”
- Middle English
iniquite
“wickedness, sin”
- Modern English
iniquity
“gross injustice, wickedness”
Connections
Word parts
in-
prefix
not
aequ-
root
fair, equal
-ity
suffix
state or quality of
Related across languages
French
iniquité
iniquity
Spanish
iniquidad
iniquity
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Related to iniquity
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.