Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
urtext
Noun
/ˈʊərˌtɛkst/
Definition
An original or primary version of a text, particularly one that’s used as a source for a later version or adaptation.
Examples
- The musical score originally composed by Beethoven is often referred to as the urtext, serving as the basis for many performances.
- Scholars found the urtext of the manuscript, which helped clarify the author’s original intentions.
- In studying ancient texts, researchers strive to locate the urtext to gain insights into the past interpretations.
Meaning
Urtext refers to an initial or foundational text that is considered the authentic version before any edits or revisions were made. It is often used in literary, musical, and scholarly contexts.
Synonyms
- original text
- source text
- authentic version
- manuscript
