A Statue Is Something Set Up
A statue is a carved or cast figure. The Latin verb behind it means to set up, and it is closely related to the word statute.
A statue is a sculpted or cast figure, usually of a person. Latin *statuere* meant to set up or establish, and it produced two English words that look almost identical: a *statue* is a figure set up, and a *statute* is a law set up. One letter separates a monument from an act of parliament.
- A sculpted figure. *A bronze statue.*
- Statuette — a small one. *A statuette on the mantelpiece.*
- Statuesque — tall and dignified. *A statuesque figure.*
- Statute — a written law, from the same root. *Under this statute.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | statue | A marble statue. |
| Plural | statues | Public statues. |
| Diminutive | statuette | A small statuette. |
| Adjective | statuesque | Statuesque bearing. |
| Confusable | statute | A statute of 1968. |
- The statue was unveiled in 1904.Monument.
- She stood as still as a statue.Simile.
- The statute sets a six-year limit.The other word.
Statue, statute, stature
- Statue — a sculpted figure
- Statute — a written law
- Stature — height, or standing in a field
- All three come from Latin *stare*, to stand
- Statute of limitations — the legal time limit for bringing a claim
Latin *statua*, from *statuere*, to set up, from *stare*, to stand. English took it through Old French in the 1300s.
What is the difference between statue and statute?
A statue is a sculpture. A statute is a law. They differ by one letter and are easy to mistype.
What does statuesque mean?
Tall, well proportioned and dignified, like a classical statue. It is usually a compliment.