Ab ovo is a Latin phrase that has been used for centuries to describe the beginning of something. It is a phrase that has been used in various contexts, including literature, art, and science. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of ab ovo, its associations, synonyms, and antonyms, as well as its usage in example sentences.
Definitions
Ab ovo is a Latin phrase that means “from the beginning.” It is used to describe the starting point of something, whether it is a story, project, or idea. It is often used in literature to describe the beginning of a story or narrative.
Origin
The phrase ab ovo has its roots in ancient Roman culture. It was first used by the poet Horace in his Ars Poetica, a treatise on the art of poetry. The phrase was used to describe the importance of starting a poem from the beginning, or “from the egg” (ab ovo). Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to describe the beginning of anything.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ab ovo means “from the beginning.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “from the egg,” with the sense of “from the beginning.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “from the beginning of something, especially a story or a work of art.”
Associations
Ab ovo is often associated with the beginning of a story or narrative. It is also associated with the idea of starting something from scratch, with a clean slate. In art, it is associated with the idea of creating something new, from the beginning.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for ab ovo include “from the start,” “from the beginning,” “from scratch,” and “from the outset.” These phrases all convey the idea of starting something anew, without any preconceived notions or biases.
Antonyms
Antonyms for ab ovo include “in medias res,” which means “in the middle of things.” This phrase is often used to describe a story that starts in the middle, rather than at the beginning. Another antonym is “retrospectively,” which means looking back on something that has already happened.
The same root words
Ab ovo shares its root word with the English word “ovum,” which means “egg.” This root word is also found in other Latin phrases, such as “oviparous,” which means “egg-laying,” and “ovoviviparous,” which means “producing young by means of eggs that are hatched inside the body.”
Example Sentences
- The novel begins ab ovo, with a detailed description of the protagonist’s childhood.
- The artist decided to start the painting ab ovo, with a blank canvas and no preconceived ideas.
- The project had to be started ab ovo, after the initial plan was deemed unworkable.
- The poet’s work was praised for its ab ovo approach, which allowed for a fresh perspective on familiar themes.