DictionaryRoot: vertere
Latin

vertere

turn

Forms

  • vert-
  • vers- — Latin stem of the form meaning ‘turned.’

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *wer-, ‘turn; bend.’

Note

Turning can change direction, allegiance, or a state of affairs.

24 / 48
A compact two-scene sequence connects an unmistakable marriage to its formal legal dissolution: the same man and woman exchange wedding rings in a small opening vignette, then sit apart before a judge who distributes matching sealed court documents while their removed wedding rings rest separately beside them.
noun / verb

divorce

di-VORSS/dɪˈvɔːrs/

The formal ending of a marriage.

Etymology

The underlying image is “turning apart.” Latin developed this into separation, including leaving a spouse, and the related noun already meant dissolution of marriage.

Full entry

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