Urtext

Pronunciation: /ɜr.tɛkst/

Definitions of urtext

noun a text considered to be an original or authoritative source

Example Sentences

A1 An urtext is the original version of a text or document.

A2 In music, an urtext edition is considered the most authentic version of a musical work.

B1 Scholars often refer to the urtext of a manuscript when studying historical documents.

B2 The urtext of a classic novel may differ from modern translations due to changes in language over time.

C1 The urtext of a religious text is highly valued by scholars for its accuracy and authenticity.

C2 Musicologists strive to create urtext editions of famous composers' works to preserve the original intentions of the composers.

Examples of urtext in a Sentence

formal The scholar insisted on studying the urtext of the ancient manuscript.

informal I found a really old book that might be the urtext for this subject.

slang Dude, this is like the urtext of all conspiracy theories!

figurative In a way, the original painting serves as the urtext for all the replicas.

Grammatical Forms of urtext

• past tense: urtexted
• plural: urtexts
• comparative: more urtext
• superlative: most urtext
• present tense: urtexts
• future tense: will urtext
• perfect tense: have urtexted
• continuous tense: is urtexting
• singular: urtext
• positive degree: urtext
• infinitive: to urtext
• gerund: urtexting
• participle: urtexted

Origin and Evolution of urtext

First Known Use: 1847 year

Language of Origin: German

Story behind the word: The word 'urtext' originates from German, where 'ur-' means 'original' and 'text' refers to a written work.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in reference to the original text of a literary work, 'urtext' has evolved to also signify an authoritative edition or version of a musical score.