iniquus

Ini quis

Ini quest? The term iniquus is a Latin adjective meaning unfair, unjust, or unequal, and by extension morally wrong or unfavorable. In classical Latin it describes actions, laws, or conditions that lack justice or equity, as well as people who act with bias or partiality. The word often appears in moral, legal, and rhetorical contexts to contrast fairness with injustice.

Etymology and form

Ini quis derives from the negating prefix in- attached to aequus (equal), yielding “not equal” or “unjust.” As a first/second declension adjective, it appears in the usual gendered forms: iniquus (masculine), iniqua (feminine), iniquum (neuter). The related noun iniquitas denotes unfairness or injustice. English inherits the related noun iniquity and the adjective iniquitous from Latin via Old French and Middle English.

Usage and examples

In Latin literature, iniquus is employed to characterize unjust laws, unequal treatment, or morally blameworthy acts. It is common in theological, legal, and philosophical discussions from antiquity through the medieval period, and it often contrasts with aequitas (equity or fairness). While not a technical legal term in the modern sense, it conveys the concept of profound unfairness.

Modern reception

Today, iniquus appears primarily in academic or literary contexts and in discussions of Latin language and history. Its descendants in English—iniquity, iniquitous, iniquitousness—preserve the sense of gross injustice and moral wrong. The word also connects to the broader family of Romance-language cognates such as Italian iniquo and Spanish iniquo, which reflect similar meanings of injustice and unfairness.