deponent

Deponent is a term with two principal meanings in English: in linguistics and in law. In linguistics, a deponent verb is a verb that is passive in form but active in meaning. In law, a deponent is a person who gives a deposition—an sworn statement used as evidence in litigation.

In languages such as Latin and Ancient Greek, deponent verbs appear with passive morphology but carry active semantics. They have forms that resemble the passive voice yet are translated actively. Some languages also feature semi-deponent verbs, whose present or imperfect tenses are passive in form but whose perfect tenses express active meaning. Latin examples include loquor (I speak) and patior (I endure). In classical studies, deponent verbs illustrate how morphology and voice can diverge; they are primarily a feature of classical languages and have fewer direct equivalents in modern vernaculars.

In law, the deponent is the individual who provides a deposition, a sworn, written, or recorded account of their knowledge. Depositions are used to preserve testimony for trial, to discover facts, or to impeach a witness. The deposition is typically conducted under oath by a lawyer and recorded by a court reporter; the deponent answers questions about facts within their personal knowledge and may be cross-examined if the deposition is conducted in formal settings.

Originating from Latin deponere, meaning to lay aside, the term reflects the historical use of deponent verbs in classical languages and the role of a person who lays down testimony in law.