The word "are supine" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ɑːr sjuːpaɪn/. The first syllable "are" is pronounced with a long "a" sound followed by a schwa sound, while the second syllable "supine" is pronounced with a "s" sound, followed by a "yoo" sound and a "p" sound, and ending with a long "i" sound and an "n" sound. "Supine" means lying face upward or inactive, while "are" is the present tense form of the verb "be".
"Are supine" is a phrase that refers to the state or position of being supine. The term "supine" is an adjective that has several meanings depending on the context.
In a literal sense, "supine" describes a bodily position where one lies on their back, facing upward, with their face and front part of the body upwards and the palms facing upwards. This position is the opposite of prone, where the person lies on their stomach facing downward. It is commonly used in medical or anatomical contexts to describe the position in which patients may be examined, treated, or maneuvered during procedures.
Figuratively, "supine" can also describe a psychological or emotional state of being passive, inactive, or submissive. In this sense, "are supine" suggests a lack of initiative, assertiveness, or resistance. It may imply a willingness to accept circumstances without objection or effort. This figurative usage is often employed in discussions related to behavior, attitudes, or responses in various spheres, such as politics, business, or personal relationships.
Overall, "are supine" refers to the act of being in a position of lying on one's back or conveying a state of passivity and inaction. The meaning of the phrase depends on the context in which it is used.
The phrase "are supine" doesn't have a distinct etymology on its own, as it is a combination of two words: "are" and "supine". Here's a breakdown of the individual etymologies:
1. Are: "Are" is the second person plural form of the verb "to be" in the present tense. The word "be" traces its roots back to Old English and has Germanic origins. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it is related to similar words in other Germanic languages like Old High German "bist", Dutch "ben", and German "bin".
2. Supine: "Supine" is an adjective that describes a person lying face upwards and indicates a position of vulnerability or passivity. It comes from the Latin word "supinus", which has the same meaning.