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apacito
apacita
masc nom sg of apacita (pp)
- respected; honoured
Built from
- apa — prefix · away, off
Directional prefix meaning away or off (Latin ab-, English off). Here it marks separation and distinction—setting something apart as worthy.
- ci — root · heap, pile up
Root meaning to heap or accumulate (Sanskrit ci-). The image is of gathering or stacking; with apa- it means to set apart, to put in a special place.
- ta — ending · past participle
Past participle suffix marking completed action. Marks apacita as a verbal adjective meaning 'having been set apart / honoured'.
Etymology. apa- (away, off) + √ci (to heap up, accumulate); literally 'heaped away' or 'set apart', hence honoured or shown deference. The concrete image is of setting something aside as precious. Related to Sanskrit citi- 'heap, pile'.