agent
UK[ˈeɪdʒənt]US[ˈeɪdʒənt]
n
a person or company that represents another person or company in business, legal, or other matters
n
a person or thing that produces a particular effect or change
n
a person who works for a government intelligence service
Morpheme Breakdown
ag
ent
ag
to do, to drive
ent
one who
Etymology
The word 'agent' originates from the Latin verb agere, meaning 'to do, to drive, or to lead'. The present participle form of this verb, agens (stem agent-), literally translates to 'one who is doing or driving'. This participle evolved into a noun denoting a person or force that performs an action or produces an effect. Entering English via Old French in the late 15th century, the term retained this core sense of an active doer, which logically extended to its modern meanings of a representative who acts on another's behalf, an active force causing change, or an operative working for an organization.
Analysis
Structure: ag (to do, to drive) + ent (one who)
- ag: From Latin agere (to do, to drive, to lead). Functional role: verbal root indicating action.
- ent: From Latin -entem (present participle ending, forming agent nouns). Functional role: suffix denoting 'one who' performs the action.
Examples
The actor's agent negotiated a new contract with the studio.
Soap is a cleansing agent that works by breaking down grease.
A secret agent was sent to gather intelligence on the matter.