Patavinity
/ˌpætəˈvɪnəti/noun
A distinctive style or quality associated with the Roman historian Livy, especially his supposed provincial manner of expression.
Did you know?The term arose from an ancient scholarly debate over whether Livy’s Latin contained expressions characteristic of Patavium, modern Padua, rather than Rome.
Etymological Timeline
1st Century BCE
Latin
Patavium
“The Roman name for the city now called Padua in northern Italy.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Patavinus
“Of or relating to Patavium; Patavian.”
Ancient Rome
Latin
Patavinitas
“A quality or manner of expression associated with the language of Patavium, especially in Livy.”
16th Century
English
patavinity
“A provincial or Padua-associated feature in Livy’s style or language.”
Modern English
English
patavinity
“A rare literary term for Livian or supposedly provincial linguistic style.”