insanity

A three-part word (root 'sane', prefix 'in-' meaning 'not', suffix '-ity', meaning 'the state of'). Derived from Latin precursory equivalents. Two possible candidates for construction order:

• "insane+-ity": insānus (“unhealthy; insane”) + -itās

  Latin insānus (“unsound in mind; mad, insane”), from in- + sanus (“sound, sane”). Modern forms of roots: in- + sane

• "in- + sanity": in- (“healthy; sane”) +‎ sanitās.

  Latin sanitās (“sound in mind; sane”), from sānus (“healthy; sane”) + -itās. Modern forms of roots: sane + -ity

• (US) IPA^(key): /ɪnˈsænɪti/

• Audio (US)

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insanity (countable and uncountable, plural insanities)

1. The state of being insane; madness.

• See also Thesaurus:insanity

• sanity

• insane