pendent
UK: ˈpɛndənt | US: ˈpɛndənt
adj. hanging or suspended
adj. undecided; pending
n. something suspended, such as a piece of jewelry
pendent = pend<hang> + ent<adjective suffix>
- pend<hang>: From Latin pendere (to hang), retained in English words like "pendulum" and "suspend."
- ent<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, derived from Latin -entem, indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "pendent" traces back to Latin pendēre, meaning "to hang." Over time, it evolved into Old French pendant, which entered Middle English as "pendent." The core idea of "hanging" persists in its modern meanings—whether describing physical suspension (e.g., a pendant necklace) or metaphorical uncertainty (e.g., a pendent decision). The suffix -ent solidifies its adjectival form, emphasizing a state of being.
The chandelier had crystal pendent ornaments.
The court case remains pendent due to new evidence.
She wore a silver pendent shaped like a crescent moon.
The pendent icicles glistened in the sunlight.
His pendent reply left everyone anxious.