Etymology
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remiss (adj.)

early 15c., remis, remisse, "weak, dissolved, loose, slack, lacking in force or energy;" mid-15c., of conduct, "characterized by lack of strictness or due restraint;" also, of persons, "slack in the discharge of a task or duty, characterized by negligence," from Latin remissus "relaxed, languid; negligent," past participle of remittere "slacken, abate, let go" (see remit). Related: Remissly; remissness.

Entries linking to remiss

remit (v.)

late 14c., remitten, "to forgive, pardon," from Latin remittere "send back, slacken, let go back, abate," from re- "back" (see re-) + mittere "to send" (see mission). Secondary senses predominate in English.

From c. 1400 as "refer for consideration or performance from one person or group to another;" early 15c. as "send to prison or back to prison." The meaning "allow to remain unpaid, refrain from exacting" (penalty, punishment, etc.) is from mid-15c. Meaning "send money (to someone) in payment" is recorded from 1630s. Related: Remitted; remitting.

updated on June 28, 2021

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Dictionary entries near remiss

Remington

reminisce

reminiscence

reminiscent

remise

remiss

remission

remissive

remit

remittance

remittent

© 2001-2023 Douglas Harper