insanity
English
Etymology
A three-part word (root 'sane', prefix 'in-' meaning 'not', suffix '-ity', meaning 'the state of'). Derived from Latin precursory equivalents. Two possible candidates for construction order:
- "insane+-ity": insānus (“unhealthy; insane”) + -itās
- Latin insānus (“unsound in mind; mad, insane”), from in- + sanus (“sound, sane”). Modern forms of roots: in- + sane
- "in- + sanity": in- (“healthy; sane”) + sanitās.
- Latin sanitās (“sound in mind; sane”), from sānus (“healthy; sane”) + -itās. Modern forms of roots: sane + -ity
Pronunciation
- (US) IPA(key): /ɪnˈsænɪti/
Audio (US) (file)
Noun
insanity (countable and uncountable, plural insanities)
- The state of being insane; madness.
Synonyms
- See also Thesaurus:insanity
Antonyms
- sanity
Related terms
- insane
Translations
state of being insane
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