So true it is that each man regards nothing as cheaper than himself.
More literally: So true is it that nothing is cheaper to each person than himself.
Details
(Beforehand: We are ready to sacrifice our time, our peace of mind, our freedom and our decency to obtain things we wouldn’t spend our money on.)
Adeō
(adv.): to this point, so, so much, to such an extent, so true is it that; in addition, besides, moreover; indeed, actually, in fact, quite. Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing. Est: it is. Cuique: to each person—the m/f/n dative singular form of quisque/quaeque/quidque (pron.): each one, each person, each thing. Sē: than himself—the ablative form of the reflexive pronoun (the ablative of comparison). Vīlior/vīlior/
vīlius
(3): cheaper—the comparative form of vīlis/vīlis/vīle (3): cheap.
(Beforehand: When we’re absorbed in the present moment, we don’t notice it passing.)
Adeō
(adv.): to this point, so, so much, to such an extent, so true is it that; in addition, besides, moreover; indeed, actually, in fact, quite. Praeceps, praecipitis
(3, adj.): headlong; steep, sheer, precipitous. Fuga, fugae
(1f): flight, escape. Trānsitus, trānsitūs (4m): transition, passage, crossing over. Lēnis
/lēnis/lēne (3): soft, smooth, gentle. Est: is.
And what’s more, even if I could, my filial piety prevents me.
More literally: And moreover, if I should be able to do it, (my) piety prevents me.
Details
(Beforehand: Could I successfully steal from a man as cautious as my father?)
Atque
/ac (conj.): and, and also, and then. Adeō
(adv.): to this point, so, so much, to such an extent, so true is it that; in addition, besides, moreover; indeed, actually, in fact, quite. Sī
(conj.): if. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Possim
is the first person singular subjunctive form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can (potential subjunctive). Pietās, pietātis (3f): sense of duty; devotion, piety. Prohibet
is the third person singular form of prohibeō, prohibēre, prohibuī, prohibitum (2): to prevent, hold back.
Indeed, actually, in fact, quite.
Idadeomoresuovidebaturfacere. —Sallust, The Conspiracy of Catiline 37.2
Translation
This, indeed, they appeared to do according to their usual custom.
Details
(He’s talking about the crowd’s approval of Catiline, and saying that people without money always favor upheaval. The implied subject is plēbēs, plēbēī (5f): the common people—a singular word, hence the singular verb even though the plural is natural in English.)
Id
is the neuter accusative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Adeō
(adv.): to this point, so, so much, to such an extent, so true is it that; in addition, besides, moreover; indeed, actually, in fact, quite. Mōre
is the ablative singular form of mōs, mōris (3m): custom, habit; (in pl.) character, morals. Suō: its (own)—the m/n ablative singular form of suus/sua/suum (1/2). Vidēbātur
is the third person singular imperfect passive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem, appear. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
Compare adeō, adīre, adiī, aditum (irreg.): to go to, approach; begin, undertake, enter upon, enter into; undergo, submit to. The verb has its own entry.
Adhūc
Adhūc (adv.): still, yet; so far, as yet. Adhūc is one of the rare exceptions to the rule that a two-syllable Latin word is stressed on the first syllable. Adhūc is stressed on the second: ad- hūc. That’s because the word used to be adhūce —ad- hū -ce according to the usual rules—and retained its original accent even after losing its final e.
AdhucEpicurumcompilamus. —Seneca, Epistles 8.7
Translation
I am still plundering Epicurus.
More literally: Still we are plundering Epicurus.
Details
(That is, quoting him for guidance.)
Adhūc
(adv.): still, yet; so far, as yet. Epicūrum
is the accusative singular form of Epicūrus, Epicūrī (2m): Epicurus. Compīlāmus
is the first person plural form of compīlō, compīlāre, compīlāvī, compīlātum (1): to plunder, rob.
They no longer have desire, but they still have fear.
Details
(The
it
implied by the Latin verbs is a category of people—genus, generis (3n): those who’ve made partial progress in Stoicism.)
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon; anymore. Nōn: not. Concupīscit
is the third person singular form of concupīscō, concupīscere, concupīvī/concupiī, concupītum (3): to desire, covet. Sed
(conj.): but. Adhūc
(adv.): still, yet; so far, as yet. Timet
is the third person singular form of timeō, timēre, timuī, — (2): to fear, be afraid.
Belleadhuc. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 5.10.2
Translation
So far, so good.
More literally: (It goes) pleasantly, so far.
Details
Bellē
(adv.): nicely, well, pleasantly. Adhūc
(adv.): still, yet; so far, as yet.
Nihiladhucscimus. —Seneca, Letters to Friends 9.7.2
Translation
We know nothing yet.
Details
Nihil
(n, indeclinable, singular only, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Adhūc
(adv.): still, yet; so far, as yet. Scīmus
is the first person plural form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know.
Aequē
Aequē (adv.): equally, (just) as.
Aequehonestaest. —Seneca, Epistles 74.27
Translation
It is just as honorable.
Details
(A short good life compared to a long one; life
is vīta, vītae (1f)). Aequē
(adv.): equally, (just) as. Honestus/
honesta
/honestum (1/2): honorable, noble. Est: it is.
Aequeincertumetinfinitumest. —Cicero, In Defense of Cluentius 157
Translation
It is equally vague and undefined.
Details
(He’s talking one at a time about the terms of a criminal law.)
Aequē
(adv.): equally, (just) as. Incertus/incerta/
incertum
(1/2): undefined, unspecified; uncertain, doubtful; vague. Et
(conj.): and. Īnfīnītus/īnfīnīta/
īnfīnītum
(1/2): indefinite, undefined, unspecified; infinite, endless. Est: it is.
You will find him equally fearful of death, equally ignorant of life.
Details
(Take anyone you like. . .)
Inveniēs
is the second person singular future form of inveniō, invenīre, invēnī, inventum (4): to find. Aequē
(adv.): equally, (just) as. Timidum
is the m/n accusative singular form of timidus/timida/timidum (1/2): fearful, timid; cowardly. Mors, mortis
(3f): death. Aequē
(adv.): equally, (just) as. Īnscium
is the m/n accusative singular form of īnscius/īnscia/īnscium (1/2): ignorant, unaware; unskilled. Vīta, vītae
(1f): life.
Aequē can be used together with a word like atque/ac or quam to give the meaning (just) as. . . as, as much as:
Aequeactudoleo. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 16.21.7
Translation
I am as sorry as you.
More literally: As much as you, I am sorry.
Details
Aequē
(adv.): equally, (just) as. Atque/
ac
(conj.): and, and also, and then; (in expressions of similarity or dissimilarity) as, to, from, than. Tū: you. Doleō, dolēre, doluī, dolitum (2): to suffer, feel pain; grieve (for), be sorry.
Aliquandō
Aliquandō (adv.): sometimes, from time to time, now and then; someday, sometime, eventually, sooner or later; once, at some point in the past; finally, at last. The core meaning of the word is at some time or times and this can apply to the past, present, or future.
Sometimes, from time to time, now and then.
Aliquandoetinsanireiucundumest. —Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind 17.10
Translation
Sometimes even to rave is delightful.
Details
(He’s quoting a Greek poet.)
Aliquandō
(adv.): sometimes, from time to time, now and then; someday, sometime, eventually, sooner or later; once, at some point in the past; finally, at last. Et
(adv.): even; also. Īnsāniō, īnsānīre, īnsānīvī/īnsāniī, īnsānītum (4): to be insane; act madly, rave. Iūcundus/iūcunda/
iūcundum
(1/2): pleasant, delightful, agreeable. Est: is.
Someday, sometime, eventually, sooner or later.
HaectangentaliquandoCaesarisaures. —Ovid, Letters from the Sea 4.9.125
Translation
These things will eventually reach the ears of Caesar.
Details
Haec
is the neuter nominative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it (these things). Tangent
is the third person plural future form of tango, tangere, tetigī, tāctum (3): to touch; reach; move, affect. Aliquandō
(adv.): sometimes, from time to time, now and then; someday, sometime, eventually, sooner or later; once, at some point in the past; finally, at last. Caesar, Caesaris
(3m): Caesar. Aurēs
is the accusative plural form of auris, auris (3f): ear.
Once, at some point in the past.
Fuitaliquandosanus. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 2.4.9
Translation
He once was sane.
Details
Fuit
is the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Aliquandō
(adv.): sometimes, from time to time, now and then; someday, sometime, eventually, sooner or later; once, at some point in the past; finally, at last. Sānus
/sāna/sānum (1/2): healthy; sane.
Finally, at last (especially in sentences expressing commands).
Tumodonosrevisealiquando. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 1.19.11
Translation
Only do come back to us at long last.
Details
Tū: you. Modo
(adv.): just, only. Nōs
is the accusative form of nōs: we (us). Revīse
is the singular imperative form of revīsō, revīsere, —, — (3): to revisit, go or come to see again. Aliquandō
(adv.): sometimes, from time to time, now and then; someday, sometime, eventually, sooner or later; once, at some point in the past; finally, at last.
At last, then, away with all these treacherous goods!
Details
Discēdant
is the third person plural subjunctive form of discēdō, discēdere, discessī, discessum (3): to part ways, leave, depart (subjunctive because it’s jussive). Aliquandō
(adv.): sometimes, from time to time, now and then; someday, sometime, eventually, sooner or later; once, at some point in the past; finally, at last. Ista
is the neuter nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that, this. Īnsidiōsa
is the neuter nominative plural form of īnsidiōsus/īnsidiōsa/īnsidiōsum (1/2): deceitful; dangerous. Bona
is the nominative plural form of bonum, bonī (2n): a good thing, a good.
Aliter
Aliter (adv.): otherwise, differently; aliter. . . aliter: in one way. . . in another.
Different men have described it in different ways.
More literally: Another has described that otherwise.
Details
Alius
/alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another; different. Illud
is the neuter accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it; the former. Aliter
(adv.): otherwise, differently. Expressit
is the third person singular perfect form of exprimō, exprimere, expressī, expressum (3): to squeeze or force out; elicit; depict; express, describe.
“Aliter,”
inquis, “loqueris, alitervivis.”
—Seneca, On the Happy Life 18.1
Translation
“You talk one way, you live another,” you say.
Details
Aliter
(adv.): otherwise, differently (aliter. . . aliter = in one way. . . in another). Inquis
is the second person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say. Loqueris
is the second person singular form of loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, talk. Aliter
(adv.): otherwise, differently (aliter. . . aliter = in one way. . . in another). Vīvis
is the second person singular form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
Hocnuncaliterfitatqueolim. —Varro, On the Latin Language 6.95
Translation
This is now done differently than in the past.
Details
Hic/haec/
hoc
(pron.): this; he, she, it. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Aliter
(adv.): otherwise, differently. Fit
is the third person singular form of fīō, fierī, —, — (irreg.): to be done; be made; happen; become. Atque
/ac (conj.): and, and also, and then; (in expressions of similarity or dissimilarity) as, to, from, than. Ōlim
(adv.): once (upon a time), of old, in the past; one day, in the future.
Bene
Bene (adv.): well.
Sivales, beneest. —common start to an ancient letter
Translation
If you are well, it is well.
Details
Sī
(conj.): if. Valēs
is the second person singular form of valeō, valēre, valuī, valitum (2): to be strong; be well, be in health; be able; be valid; be worth. Bene
(adv.): well. Est: it is.
Siphilosopharis, beneest. —Seneca, Epistles 15.1
Translation
If you are doing philosophy, it is well.
Details
(His preferred alternative to the old salutation.)
Sī
(conj.): if. Philosophāris
is the second person singular form of philosophor, philosophārī, philosophātus sum (1, deponent): to study philosophy, philosophize. Bene
(adv.): well. Est: it is.
Bene
(adv.): well. Reprehendis
is the second person singular form of reprehendō, reprehendere, reprehendī, reprehēnsum (3): to grasp to oneself, grasp and hold back; find fault with, censure, reprehend.
Meritoteamo, benefacis. —Terence, The Eunuch 186
Translation
No wonder I love you. You’re very kind.
More literally: I love you deservedly, you do well.
Details
Meritō
(adv.): deservedly, justly, rightly. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Amō, amāre, amāvī, amātum (1): to love. Bene
(adv.): well. Facis
is the second person singular form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
Dicaliquandoetbene. —Martial, Epigrams 10.46
Translation
Say something good as well from time to time.
Details
Dīc
is the singular imperative form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, speak. Aliquandō
(adv): sometimes; sometime; once, in the past; finally. Et
(adv.): also, as well, too; even. Bene
(adv.): well.
Men do not care how nobly they live, but only how long.
More literally: No one cares how well he lives, but how long.
Details
(. . . yet it’s within everyone’s power to live nobly, but no one’s power to live long.)
Nēmō, nēminis (3m): no one. Quam
(interrog. adv.): how (much)? to what degree? Bene
(adv.): well. Vīvat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Sed
(conj.): but. Diū
(adv.): long, for a long time. Cūrat
is the third person singular form of cūrō, cūrāre, cūrāvī, cūrātum (1): to look after, attend to; care.
Like the adjective bonus/bona/bonum, from which it’s derived, the adverb bene has irregular comparative and superlative forms. The comparative is melius.
He started the war with these auspices, and conducted it no better.
More literally: Having started the wars with auspices thus, he does not wage (them) better.
Details
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner. Auspicātus
/auspicāta/auspicātum (1/2) is the perfect active participle of auspicor, auspicārī, auspicātus sum (1, deponent): to take auspices; start with auspices; begin, enter upon. Bella
is the accusative plural form of bellum, bellī (2n): war (the poetic plural—used for the singular). Nōn: not. Melius
(adv.): better—the comparative form of bene (adv.): well. Gerit
is the third person singular form of gerō, gerere, gessī, gestum (3): to bear, carry; wear; carry on, conduct, do, perform; wage (war); (with reflexive object) conduct (oneself), behave (it’s in the historical present).
And the superlative is optimē.
Optimeregnimeifatumipsenovi. —Seneca, Phoenician Women 276 -7
Translation
I know well myself the fate of my kingdom.
Details
Optimē
(adv.): very well; best—the superlative form of bene (adv.): well. Rēgnum, rēgnī
(2n): kingdom; kingship. Meī
is the m/n genitive singular form of meus/mea/meum (1/2): my, mine. Fātum
is the accusative singular form of fātum, fātī (2n): fate, that which is ordained. Ipse
/ipsa/ipsum (pron. or adj.): himself/herself/itself/myself/etc. ; in person; the very. Nōscō, nōscere, nōvī, nōtum (3): (in present-stem forms) to come to know; recognize; (in perfect-stem forms) to know.
Optime, inquitScipio. —Cicero, On the Republic 1.60
Translation
“Very well,” said Scipio.
Details
Optimē
(adv.): very well; best—the superlative form of bene (adv.): well. Inquit
is the third person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say (inquit = he/she/it says
or
said). Scīpiō, Scīpiōnis (3m): Roman cognomen, esp. of Scipio Africanus and others in his family.
Certē
Certē (adv.): certainly; at any rate, at least, this at any rate is certain.
Decēterīscertesciebat. —Cicero, In Defense of Sulla 39
Translation
He certainly knew about the others.
Details
Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Cēterīs
is the m/f/n ablative plural form of cēterus/cētera/cēterum (1/2): (all) the others, the rest. Certē
(adv.): certainly; at any rate, at least, this at any rate is certain. Sciēbat
is the third person singular imperfect form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know.
(Chicago:) It’s nothing, or at least it isn’t much.
More literally: It’s nothing, or at least it is little.
Details
(How to talk to yourself about pain.)
Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing. Est: it is. Aut
(conj.): or. Certē
(adv.): certainly; at any rate, at least, this at any rate is certain. Exiguus/exigua/
exiguum
(1/2): paltry, scant, little. Est: it is.
Cito
Cito (adv.): quickly; soon.
Bisdat, quicitodat. —Erasmus, Adagia (1536)
Translation
He who gives quickly gives twice.
Details
Bis
(adv.): twice. Dat
is the third person singular form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1): to give, grant. Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Cito
(adv.): quickly; soon. Dat
is the third person singular form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1): to give, grant.
Tamcitoteindulgentiaetuaepaenituit? —Seneca, Consolation to Polybius 3.4
Translation
Did you repent so quickly of your kindness?
Details
Tam
(adv.): so, so much, to such an extent. Cito
(adv.): quickly; soon. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Indulgentia, indulgentiae
(1f): indulgence, kindness. Tuae
is the feminine genitive singular form of tuus/tua/tuum (1/2): your, yours. Paenituit
is the third person singular perfect form of paeniteō, paenitēre, paenituī, paenitūrus (2): (personally, rare) to regret, repent; (impersonally, the more common usage) it causes regret, there is regret, one regrets (the person feeling regret goes in the accusative; the cause of regret often goes in the genitive).
Illeinchoatumsermonemcitoabrupit. —Seneca, On Anger 2.24.1
Translation
That one broke off the conversation abruptly.
Details
(The kind of suspicious thinking about others that we should avoid.)
Ille
/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Inchoātum
is the m/n accusative singular form of inchoātus/inchoāta/inchoātum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (begun) of inchoō, inchoāre, inchoāvī, inchoātum (1—also
incohō): to lay the foundation; begin. Sermōnem
is the accusative singular form of sermō, sermōnis (3m): conversation, speech. Cito
(adv.): quickly; soon. Abrūpit
is the third person singular perfect form of abrumpō, abrumpere, abrūpī, abruptum (3): to break or cut off, sever; cut short.
Nemonimiscitomoritur. —Seneca, Consolation to Marcia 21.4
Translation
No one dies too soon.
Details
Nēmō, nēminis (3m): no one. Nimis
(adv.): too (much), excessively. Cito
(adv.): quickly; soon. Moritur
is the third person singular form of morior, morī, mortuus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to die.
Ignisquoclariorfulsit, citiusextinguitur. —Seneca, Consolation to Marcia 23.4
Translation
The brighter a fire has burned, the more quickly it dies.
Details
Ignis, ignis (3m): fire. Quō
(rel. adv.): by the degree by which, in proportion as, the (followed by a comparative)—originally the m/n ablative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Clārior
/clārior/clārius (3): brighter—the comparative form of clārus/clāra/clārum (1/2): clear, bright. Fulsit
is the third person singular perfect form of fulgeō, fulgēre, fulsī, — (2): to flash, glitter, shine. Citius
(adv.): more quickly—the comparative form of cito (adv.): quickly; soon. Extinguitur
is the third person singular passive form of extinguō, extinguere, extīnxī, extīnctum (3—also extinguō): to extinguish, put out; kill, destroy.
Cōtīdiē
Cōtīdiē (adv.): every day. It also appears as cottīdiē and quōtīdiē (Quintilian expressed a dislike for the latter variant).
It can see every day whomsoever it desires to see.
More literally: Whomever it wants, it sees every day.
Details
(The mind can visit with friends even when they aren’t present.)
Quemcumque
is the masculine accusative singular form of quīcumque/quaecumque/quodcumque (rel. pron.): whoever, whatever, whosoever, whatsoever. Vult
is the third person singular form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish. Cōtīdiē
(adv.): every day. Videt
is the third person singular form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see.
More literally: Let us make equal with life every day.
Details
Cōtīdiē
(adv.): every day. Cum
(prep.): with (takes the ablative). Vītā
is the ablative singular form of vīta, vītae (1f): life. Paria
is the neuter accusative plural form of pār, paris (3, adj.): equal; like. Faciāmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make (a hortatory subjunctive) (paria facere
is an idiom: to settle an account or accounts).
Audietmultacotidieprobari, multacorrigi. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 1.2.21
Translation
He will hear many things praised and many things corrected every day.
Details
Audiet
is the third person singular future form of audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear; listen (to). Multa
is the neuter accusative plural form of multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many. Cōtīdiē
(adv.): every day. Probārī
is the passive infinitive form of probō, probāre, probāvī, probātum (1): to try, test; approve; praise; prove, demonstrate. Corrigī
is the passive infinitive form of corrigō, corrigere, corrēxī, corrēctum (3): to straighten; put right, correct, amend.
Cūr
Cūr (interrog. and rel. adv.): why; on account of which.
As an interrogative adverb: why? for what reason?
Curigiturtaceo? —Martial, Epigrams 5.52.2
Translation
Why then do I say nothing about it?
More literally: Why then am I silent?
Details
Cūr
(interrog. adv.): why? Igitur
(conj.): therefore, so, then. Taceō, tacēre, tacuī, tacitum (2): to be silent.
Why does trembling seize our limbs before the trumpet sounds?
Details
Cūr
(interrog. adv.): why? Ante
(prep.): before (takes the accusative). Tubam
is the accusative singular form of tuba, tubae (1f): trumpet. Tremor, tremōris (3m): trembling. Occupat
is the third person singular form of occupō, occupāre, occupāvī, occupātum (1): to occupy; seize, take possession of; demand the attention of, preoccupy; anticipate. Artūs
is the accusative plural form of artus, artūs (4m): joint; arm or leg, limb.
Nesciuntquidemcurirascantur. —Seneca, On Anger 1.2.5
Translation
They do not even know why they are angry.
Details
Nē
(adv.): not (nē quidem = noteven). Sciunt
is the third person plural form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. Quidem
(particle): indeed, certainly. Cūr
(interrog. adv.): why? Īrāscantur
is the third person plural subjunctive form of of īrāscor, īrāscī, īrātus sum (3, deponent): to be or become angry (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question).
As a relative adverb: (a reason) why, (something) on account of which. It’s followed by a subjunctive verb.
More literally: What is there on account of which he should not be happy?
Details
Quis/quis/
quid
(interrog. pron.): who? what? Est: is there. Cūr
(rel. adv.): on account of which, (a reason) why. Is
/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Nōn: not. Beātus
/beāta/beātum (1/2): happy; prosperous. Sit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Deinde
Deinde (adv. —also dein): next, then, afterward, after that; thereafter, from then on.
Quodeinderuis? —Virgil, Aeneid 5.741
Translation
Where are you rushing now?
More literally: Where are you rushing next?
Details
Quō
(interrog. adv.): where? —as a direction; i.e., where to? Deinde
(adv.): next, then, afterward, after that; thereafter, from then on. Ruis
is the second person singular form of ruō, ruere, ruī, ruitūrus (3): to fall, collapse; rush.
(Chicago:) Then he struck the blow that meant death to his body.
More literally: Then he dug the deadly wound into his body.
Details
(He’s narrating Cato’s use of his sword to commit suicide.)
Impressit
is the third person singular perfect form of imprimō, imprimere, impressī, impressum (3): to press; thrust, drive, dig, etc. into; imprint, make by pressing (the thing that something is thurst into etc. often goes in the dative). Deinde
(adv.): next, then, afterward, after that; thereafter, from then on. Mortiferum
is the m/n accusative singular form of mortifer/mortifera/mortiferum (1/2): deadly. Corporī
is the dative singular form of corpus, corporis (3n): body. Vulnus
is the accusative singular form of vulnus, vulneris (3n): wound.
(Chicago:) We lost our infancy, then childhood, then youth.
Details
Īnfantiam
is the accusative singular form of īnfantia, īnfantiae (1f): infancy; inability to speak. Āmīsimus
is the first person plural perfect form of āmittō, āmittere, āmīsī, āmissum (3): to lose; let go. Deinde
(adv.): next, then, afterward, after that; thereafter, from then on. Pueritiam
is the accusative singular form of pueritia, pueritiae (1f): childhood, boyhood. Adulēscentiam
is the accusative singular form of adulēscentia, adulēscentiae (1f): youth.
(Once you make a start toward virtue, you’ll like it.)
Deinde
(adv.): next, then, afterward, after that; thereafter, from then on. Nōn: not. Est: is. Acerbus/
acerba
/acerbum (1/2): bitter; cruel, harsh. Medicīna, medicīnae (1f): medicine.
Sometimes, once in a while (a mostly poetic usage).
More literally: Sometimes we are mistaken and we present the not worthy.
Details
Fallimur
is the first person plural passive form of fallō, fallere, fefellī, falsum (3): to deceive; (in the passive) be mistaken. Et
(conj.): and. Quondam
(adv.): at one time, once, formerly, in the past; someday, in the future; sometimes, once in a while. Nōn: not. Dignum
is the m/n (here m) accusative singular form of dignus/digna/dignum (1/2): worthy. Trādimus
is the first person plural form of trādō, trādere, trādidī, trāditum (3): to hand over; surrender; deliver; hand down; relate.
Dēnique
Dēnique (adv.): finally, at last, in the end; besides; in short; even if it comes to that, at worst; in fact, indeed.
Deniquefinemfaciam. —Seneca, Epistles 36.12
Translation
(Chicago:) I will bring this to an end.
More literally: At last, I will make an end.
Details
Dēnique
(adv.): finally, at last, in the end; besides; in short; even if it comes to that, at worst; in fact, indeed. Fīnem
is the accusative singular form of fīnis, fīnis (3m): end; limit; purpose. Faciam
is the first person singular future form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
Deniquedebeatpoenas. —Seneca, On Anger 3.25.2
Translation
Suppose in the end he deserves punishment.
More literally: At worst, let him owe penalties.
Details
(He’s talking about a wrongdoer and saying: that’s no reason for us to match him.)
Dēnique
(adv.): finally, at last, in the end; besides; in short; even if it comes to that, at worst; in fact, indeed. Dēbeat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of dēbeō, dēbēre, dēbuī, dēbitum (2): to owe; ought. Poenās
is the accusative plural form of poena, poenae (1f): punishment, penalty.
Tumdeniqueedentur. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 16.5.5
Translation
Then and only then will they be published.
More literally: Then at last they will be published.
Details
Tum
(adv.): then. Dēnique
(adv.): finally, at last, in the end; besides; in short; even if it comes to that, at worst; in fact, indeed. Ēdentur
is the third person plural future passive form of ēdō, ēdere, ēdidī, ēditum (3): to bring forth, produce; publish.
Diū
Diū (adv.): long, for a long time. (The u is sometimes short in early poetry.)
Satisdiuvixit. —Seneca, Consolation to Marcia 24.1
Translation
He lived long enough.
Details
Satis
(adv.): enough. Diū
(adv.): long, for a long time. Vīxit
is the third person singular perfect form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
Diumecumdisputavi. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 7.1.24
Translation
I disputed with myself for a long while.
Details
Diū
(adv.): long, for a long time. Mēcum: with me (mē = me; cum = with). Disputō, disputāre, disputāvī, disputātum (1): to argue, debate, dispute.
The comparative form is diūtius.
Diutiusirascimuromnesquamlaedimur. —Seneca, On Anger 3.27.1
Translation
Our anger always lasts longer than the hurt.
More literally: We are all angry longer than we are hurt.
Details
Diūtius
(adv.): longer, for a longer time—the comparative form of diū (adv.): long, for a long time. Īrāscimur
is the first person plural form of īrāscor, īrāscī, īrātus sum (3, deponent): to be or become angry. Omnēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Quam
(rel. adv.): than. Laedimur
is the first person plural passive form of laedō, laedere, laesī, laesum (3): to hurt, harm.
And the superlative is diūtissimē.
Diutissimevixit. —Suetonius, On Grammarians and Rhetoricians 26.2
Translation
He lived to a great age.
More literally: He lived very long.
Details
Diūtissimē
(adv.): very long/longest, for a very long time/for the longest time—the superlative form of diū (adv.): long, for a long time. Vīxit
is the third person singular perfect form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
Eō
Eō (adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation.
EovenitadmePontianus. —Apuleius, Apology 72
Translation
There Pontianus came to see me.
Details
Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Vēnit
is the third person singular perfect form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come. Ad
(prep.): to, toward; according to (takes the accusative). Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I. Pontiānus, Pontiānī (2m).
The latter strives toward the goal which the former has already reached.
Details
(Wisdom and philosophy—both feminine nouns.) Hic/
haec
/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Tendit
is the third person singular form of tendō, tendere, tetendī, tentum/tēnsum (3): to stretch, strain; aim; direct one’s course. Quō
(rel. adv.): where (with motion), whither. Ille/
illa
/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Pervēnit
is the third person singular perfect form of perveniō, pervenīre, pervēnī, perventum (4): to come (all the way to a place), arrive.
Cold flows into the place from which the force of heat has departed.
Details
Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Frīgidus/frīgida/
frīgidum
(1/2): cold, cool. Cōnfluit
is the third person singular form of cōnfluō, cōnfluere, cōnflūxī, — (3): to flow or run together. Unde
(rel. adv.): from where. Vīs, vīs (3f, irreg.): energy, force, power; violence. Calidī
is the m/n (here n) genitive singular form of calidus/calida/calidum (1/2): hot, warm. Discessit
is the third person singular perfect form of discēdō, discēdere, discessī, discessum (3): to depart, move away.
Eoaddataquambisindie. —Cato, On Agriculture 87.1
Translation
Add water to it twice a day.
More literally: Let him (i.e., whoever is following the recipe) add water to it twice a day.
Details
(From a recipe for starch.)
Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Addat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of addō, addere, addidī, additum (3): to add (subjunctive because it’s a command). Aquam
is the accusative singular form of aqua, aquae (1f): water. Bis
(adv.): twice. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on, (before a unit of time, such as
diē) a(n); (with acc.) into. Diē
is the ablative singular form of diēs, diēī (5m/f): day.
Eoprorsusspecto. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 12.47.2
Translation
I am definitely looking that way.
Details
Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Prōrsus
(adv.): forward; thoroughly, altogether, absolutely, definitely. Spectō, spectāre, spectāvī, spectātum (1): to watch, look (at), observe; pay regard to, consider; aim at.
Eō can be followed by an ut clause, giving the meaning to such a point/degree/pass/situation that. . .
Quaedaminterpretatioeoperducitutvideanturiniuriae. —Seneca, On Anger 3.11.1
Translation
There are words which the construction put upon them can make appear an insult.
More literally: Interpretation leads some things to a point that they seem injuries.
Details
Quaedam
is the neuter accusative plural form of quīdam/quaedam/quiddam (pron.): someone, something; (in pl.) some people, some things. Interpretātiō, interpretātiōnis (3f): explanation, interpretation. Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Perdūcit
is the third person singular form of perdūcō, perdūcere, perdūxī, perductum (3): to bring, lead, take (all the way to a place, condition, etc.); prolong (all the way to a certain time). Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Videantur
is the third person plural passive subjunctive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem. Iniūriae
is the nominative plural form of iniūria, iniūriae (1f): injury, wrong, injustice; damage, loss.
Eoredigesmeutquidegerimegometnesciam? —Terence, The Eunuch 690
Translation
Are you trying to tell me I don’t know what I did myself?
More literally: Will you reduce me to such a point that I would not know what I myself have done?
Details
Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Redigēs
is the second person singular future form of redigō, redigere, redēgī, redāctum (3): to drive back; reduce, bring down (to a certain amount, number, size, etc.); bring back, bring or reduce (to a condition). Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Quid
is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Ēgerim
is the first person singular perfect subjunctive form of agō, agere, ēgī, āctum (3): to drive, set in motion; do, perform, achieve, transact, manage, conduct, deal with; act, behave (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Egomet
(pron.): I myself (ego
+ the intensifying enclitic –
met). Nesciam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of nesciō, nescīre, nescīvī/nesciī, nescītum (4): to not know.
We have become so luxurious that we will have nothing but precious stones to walk upon.
More literally: We have come to such a degree of luxuries that we do not want to tread (on anything) except gems.
Details
Eō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to it, to that; to that object; to such a point/degree/pass/situation. Dēliciārum
is the genitive plural form of dēlicia, dēliciae, (1f, usually plural): delight, pleasure; luxuries, luxuriousness, voluptuousness, self-indulgence. Pervēnimus
is the first person plural perfect form of perveniō, pervenīre, pervēnī, perventum (4): to come (all the way to a place), arrive. Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Nisi
(conj.): if not, unless; except. Gemmās
is the accusative plural form of gemma, gemmae (1f): bud; jewel, gem, precious stone. Calcō, calcāre, calcāvī, calcātum (1): to trample, tread on. Nōlīmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of nōlō, nōlle, nōluī, — (irreg.): to not want, refuse, be unwilling.
Confusion warning. This word is not to be confused with the identical-looking m/n ablative singular form of is/ea/id (pron. /adj.): he, she, it; this, that. Or with the verb eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go.
Mediofereclivorestitere. —Livy, History of Rome 5.43.3
Translation
They made their stand about the middle of the slope.
Details
Mediō
is the m/n ablative singular form of medius/media/medium (1/2): middle (this adjective often occurs where English would use
middle
as a noun with
of). Ferē
(adv.): roughly, about, approximately; nearly, almost, virtually; usually. Clīvō
is the ablative singular form of clīvus, clīvī (2m): slope. Restitēre
is the third person plural perfect form of resistō, resistere, restitī, — (3): to halt, stop; make a stand; withstand, resist (an alternative form to
restitērunt).
Eratautemquindecimtumfermeannorum. —Livy, History of Rome 24.4.6
Translation
He was then about fifteen years old.
More literally: He was then of about fifteen years.
Details
Erat
is the third person singular imperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Autem
(particle): but, however, on the other hand; and, moreover (sometimes introduces a parenthetical comment without need for a translation). Quīndecim
(indeclinable): fifteen. Tum
(adv.): then. Fermē
(adv. —also
ferē): roughly, about, approximately; nearly, almost, virtually; usually. Annōrum
is the genitive plural form of annus, annī (2m): year.
Nearly, almost, virtually.
Fereomnesconsentiunt. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 1.6.8
Translation
Nearly everyone agrees.
Details
Ferē
(adv.): roughly, about, approximately; nearly, almost, virtually; usually. Omnēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every; (m. pl. used substantively) all people, everyone. Cōnsentiunt
is the third person plural form of cōnsentiō, cōnsentīre, cōnsēnsī, cōnsēnsum (4): to agree.
Iamfermemoriensmevocat. —Terence, The Woman of Andros 284
Translation
She summoned me on her death bed.
More literally: Already nearly dying, she summons me.
Details
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Fermē
(adv. —also
ferē): roughly, about, approximately; nearly, almost, virtually; usually. Moriēns, morientis (3) is the present active participle (dying) of morior, morī, mortuus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to die. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Vocat
is the third person singular form of vocō, vocāre, vocāvī, vocātum (1): to call; summon (it’s in the historical present).
Lucebatiamfere. —Cicero, Against Verres 2.5.94
Translation
Daylight was breaking.
More literally: It was already almost light.
Details
Lūcēbat
is the third person singular imperfect form of lūceō, lūcēre, lūxī, — (2): to shine; be light, be day. Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Ferē
(adv.): roughly, about, approximately; nearly, almost, virtually; usually.
Usually.
Aparentibusferevincimur. —Seneca, On Benefits 5.5.2
Translation
We are usually outdone by our parents.
Details
(The good they do to us outweighs the good we do to them.) Ab/
ā
(prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Parentibus
is the ablative plural form of parēns, parentis (3m/f): parent. Ferē
(adv.): roughly, about, approximately; nearly, almost, virtually; usually. Vincimur
is the first person plural passive form of vincō, vincere, vīcī, victum (3): to conquer; outdo, surpass; win, be victorious.
Ferē
(adv.): roughly, about, approximately; nearly, almost, virtually; usually. Vīnolentiam
is the accusative singular form of vīnolentia, vīnolentiae (1f): intoxication from wine; the excessive drinking of wine; drunkenness. Crūdēlitās, crūdēlitātis (3f): cruelty. Sequitur
is the third person singular form of sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow.
Fortasse
Fortasse (adv.): perhaps.
Idemfortasseeveniettibi. —Pliny the Younger, Letters 1.4.2
Translation
Perhaps you will have the same experience.
More literally: Perhaps the same will happen to you.
Details
Īdem
/eadem/idem (pron.): the same. Fortasse
(adv.): perhaps. Ēveniet
is the third person singular future form of ēveniō, ēvenīre, ēvēnī, ēventum (4): to happen, occur. Tibi: to you—the dative form of tū: you.
Sed
(conj.): but. Tū: you. Fortasse
(adv.): perhaps. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Sententiā
is the ablative singular form of sententia, sententiae (1f): opinion, thought, feeling; sentence, epigram. Permanēs
is the second person singular form of permaneō, permanēre, permānsī, permānsum (2): to remain, hold out, persist, abide.
More literally: Perhaps I still am not saying what I feel.
Details
Nōn: not. Dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Fortasse
(adv.) perhaps. Etiam
(particle): still; even; also. Quod
is the neuter accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Sentiō, sentīre, sēnsī, sēnsum (4): to feel; perceive; think, judge, suppose; mean.
Forte
Forte (adv.): by chance, accidentally, as luck would have it; (less commonly) perhaps.
More literally: By chance Phormio becomes (or, less literally but less awkwardly: comes) in the way for me.
Details
Fit
is the third person singular form of fīō, fierī, —, — (irreg.): to be done; be made; happen; become. Forte
(adv.): by chance, accidentally, as luck would have it; perhaps. Obviam
(adv.): in the way, towards, against, so as to meet. Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I. Phormiō, Phormiōnis (3m).
Etiamforteprolapsosiugulariiubebat. —Suetonius, Life of Claudius 34.1
Translation
He gave orders that even those who fell accidentally should be slain.
More literally: Even the accidentally fallen he was ordering to be killed.
Details
Etiam
(adv.): still; even; also, too, as well; again; yes. Forte
(adv.): by chance, accidentally, as luck would have it; perhaps. Prōlāpsōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of prōlāpsus/prōlāpsa/prōlāpsum (1/2), the perfect active participle (having fallen) of prōlābor, prōlābī, prōlāpsus sum (3, deponent): to glide forward, slip along; fall. Iugulārī
is the passive infinitive form of iugulō, iugulāre, iugulāvī, iugulātum (1): to kill (by violent means, especially by cutting the throat), slay, slaughter. Iubēbat
is the third person singular imperfect form of iubeō, iubēre, iussī, iussum (2): to order, command, bid.
Nisi forte can raise a point ironically: unless perhaps (some unlikely thing is true) —i.e., I take it you wouldn’t seriously suggest. . . ?
Nisi
(conj.): if not, unless; except. Forte
(adv.): by chance, accidentally, as luck would have it; perhaps. Contemnitis
is the second person plural form of contemnō, contemnere, contempsī, contemptum (3): to despise, scorn, hold in contempt, value little, disregard. Lūcium
is the accusative singular form of Lūcius, Lūciī (2m): praenomen (first name).
NisifortevolumusEpicureorumopinionemsequi. —Cicero, On Fate 37
Translation
Unless perhaps we want to follow the opinion of the Epicureans.
Details
Nisi
(conj.): if not, unless; except. Forte
(adv.): by chance, accidentally, as luck would have it; perhaps. Volumus
is the first person plural form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish. Epicūrēōrum
is the m/n (here m) genitive plural form of Epicūrēus/Epicūrēa/Epicūrēum (1/2): Epicurean. Opīniōnem
is the accusative singular form of opīniō, opīniōnis (3f): opinion, belief. Sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow.
Confusion warning. Of course this word can look the same as some forms of fortis/fortis/forte (3): brave; strong.
For sometimes it is an act of bravery even to live.
More literally: For sometimes it is to do bravely even to live.
Details
Aliquandō
(adv): sometimes; sometime, someday; once, in the past; finally. Enim
(conj.): for. Et
(adv.): even; also. Vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Fortiter
(adv.): bravely; strongly, vigorously, violently. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make; act. Est: is.
More literally: The fires, having been stirred, burned more strongly.
Details
Ārsērunt
is the third person plural perfect form of ārdeō, ārdēre, ārsī, ārsum (2): to burn, be on fire. Agitātī
is the masculine nominative plural form of agitātus/agitāta/agitātum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (stirred) of agitō, agitāre, agitāvī, agitātum (1): to put in motion (esp. repeatedly or vigorously), move, stir, shake, agitate; excite, rouse, drive. Fortius
(adv.): more strongly—the comparative form of fortiter (adv.): bravely; strongly, vigorously, violently. Ignēs
is the nominative plural form of ignis, ignis (3m): fire.
Hāc
Hāc (adv.): (by) this way; on this side; (sometimes more loosely) here. It’s originally the feminine ablative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron. or adj.): this; he, she, it. Its use as an adverb comes from an ellipsis in phrases like hāc viā and hāc parte (cf. quā).
Sequerehacme. —Plautus, The Pot of Gold 349
Translation
Follow me this way!
Details
Sequere
is the singular imperative form of sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow. Hāc
(adv.): (by) this way; on this side; (sometimes more loosely) here. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me).
Hacadsummumbonumitur? —Seneca, Epistles 48.10
Translation
Is this the path to the greatest good?
More literally: One goes this way to the highest good?
Details
Hāc
(adv.): (by) this way; on this side; (sometimes more loosely) here. Ad
(prep.): to, toward; according to (takes the accusative). Summum
is the m/n accusative singular form of summus/summa/summum (1/2): highest. Bonum
is the accusative singular form of bonum, bonī (2n): a good thing, a good. Ītur
is the third person singular passive form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go (it’s in the impersonal passive).
Haclupi, haccanes. —Plautus, Casina 971
Translation
On this side there are wolves, on this side dogs.
Details
(Pointing to two bad alternatives.)
Hāc
(adv.): (by) this way; on this side; (sometimes more loosely) here. Lupī
is the nominative plural form of lupus, lupī (2m): wolf. Canēs
is the nominative plural form of canis, canis (3m/f): dog.
Attack at the point where no one can fear anything.
Details
Hāc
(adv.): (by) this way; on this side; (sometimes more loosely) here. Aggredere
is the singular imperative form of aggredior, aggredī, aggressus sum (3, –ior): to go to or approach a person or thing; go to or against, attack; undertake. Quā
(rel. adv.): by which way, the way that (originally the feminine ablative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what). Nēmō, nēminis (3m): no one. Potest
is the third person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Quicquam
is the neuter accusative form of quisquam/quicquam (pron.): anyone, anything. Timeō, timēre, timuī, — (2): to fear.
Note a few less common words with similar meanings:
Eā (adv.): (by) that way; on that side; (sometimes more loosely) there. Eā comes from is/ea/id. It typically refers to a way that’s just been mentioned or that’s about to be defined.
Illā (adv.): (by) that way; on that side; (sometimes more loosely) there. Illā comes from ille/illa/illud and as such it has greater demonstrative force than eā: you can simply point your finger in a certain direction and say illā! that way!
Illāc (adv.): (by) that way; on that side; (sometimes more loosely) there. Synonymous with illā; indeed, it’s the same word with a suffix added—the enclitic particle – ce, which later lost its e. The word has an unusual stress pattern as a result. Two-syllable Latin words are almost always stressed on the fisrt syllable, but illāc is an exception. It’s stressed on the second (il- lāc) because it used to be illāce (il- lā -ce) and retained its original accentuation after the e was dropped. (Compare adhuc, which follows a similar pattern.)
Istāc (adv.): (by) that way (of yours); on that side (of yours); (sometimes more loosely) there, where you are. Istāc is related to iste/ista/istud so, like the latter, it usually carries a second-person reference. It has the same prosodic peculiarity as illāc (i.e., being stressed on the second syllable), and for the same reason.
Haud
Haud (adv. —also haut or hau): not, not at all, by no means. Haud is a little more emphatic than nōn and it often negates single words such as adjectives or adverbs: not good, not well, etc. But it can also be used in other ways, as the illustrations will show.
Tempushaudlongumpeto. —Anonymous, Octavia 618
Translation
I’m not even asking for much time!
Details
Tempus
is the accusative singular form of tempus, temporis (3n): time. Haud
(adv.): not, not at all, by no means. Longum
is the m/n accusative singular form of longus/longa/longum (1/2): long; far off. Petō, petere, petīvī/petiī, petītum (3): to direct one’s course to, make for; seek; ask; attack.
Haudinultuminterfecere. —Livy, History of Rome 3.43.4
Translation
He died not unavenged.
More literally: They did not kill (him) unavenged (where unavenged refers to him, not them).
Details
Haud
(adv.): not, not at all, by no means. Inultum
is the m/n accusative singular form of inultus/inulta/inultum (1/2): unavenged; unpunished. Interfēcēre
is the third person plural perfect form of interficiō, interficere, interfēcī, interfectum (3, –iō): to kill (an alternative form of
interfēcērunt).
At such a turning point of events she will not be idle.
Details
Haud
(adv.): not, not at all, by no means. Tantō
is the m/n ablative singular form of tantus/tanta/tantum (1/2): so great, such great, so much. Cessābit
is the third person singular future form of cessō, cessāre, cessāvī, cessātum (1): to delay, hold back; cease; be idle, do nothing. Cardine
is the ablative singular form of cardō, cardinis (3m): hinge; turning point. Rērum
is the genitive plural form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair; event.
More literally: Mars does not shake his own armor.
Details
(In other words, things we’re accustomed to don’t seem heavy to us.)
Mārs, Mārtis (3m): Mars, god of war. Haud
(adv.): not, not at all, by no means. Concutit
is the third person singular form of concutiō, concutere, concussī, concussum (3, –iō): to shake, agitate. Sua: his (own)—the neuter accusative plural form of suus/sua/suum (1/2). Ipsīus
is the m/f/n genitive singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself/oneself/myself/etc. (sua ipsīus
is emphatic: his own (arms) of himself; his very own). Arma
is the accusative form of arma, armōrum (2n, plural only): arms, weapons, armor.
Vulpēs, vulpis (3f): fox. Haud
(adv.): not, not at all, by no means. Corrumpitur
is the third person singular passive form of corrumpō, corrumpere, corrūpī, corruptum (3): to ruin, spoil, destroy; corrupt, buy off. Mūneribus
is the ablative plural form of mūnus, mūneris (3n): gift; office; duty.
Haud sciō an is a common phrase: literally I don’t know whether, implying but I think it may be so. It can be translated as perhaps or the like, depending on context. (See the similar phrase nesciō an in the nesciō entry.)
Haudscioanalitersentias. —Cicero, On the Orator 1.263
Translation
I rather suspect you are really of a different opinion.
More literally: I don’t know whether you feel differently (but I think you might).
Details
(. . . than what you’ve been saying.)
Haud
(adv.): not, not at all, by no means. Sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. An
(interrog. particle): whether; or (in a question); it can also start a direct question. Aliter
(adv.): otherwise, differently. Sentiās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of sentiō, sentīre, sēnsī, sēnsum (4): to feel; perceive, notice; think, judge (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question).
Hīc
Hīc (adv.): here. The meaning of hīc can be literal (here = in this place) or figurative (here = at this point, in this context, in this matter, etc.). Hīc denotes location in a place (e. g. , I’mhere, where here means in this place). For motion to a place (e. g. , come here! where here means to this place) see hūc.
Nemohichabitat. —Plautus, The Ghost 949
Translation
No one lives here.
Details
Nēmō, nēminis (3m/f): no one. Hīc
(adv.): here. Habitat
is the third person singular form of habitō, habitāre, habitāvī, habitātum (1): to inhabit, dwell, live (in a place).
Etdicentvobis: Eccehic, etecceillic. —Luke 17:23
Translation
And they will say to you: “Look here!” and “Look there!”
Details
Et
(conj.): and. Dīcent
is the third person plural future form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Vōbīs
is the dative form of vōs: you (pl.). Ecce
(interj.): behold, look. Hīc
(adv.): here. Illīc
(adv.): there.
Hicegomultasimulcogitavi. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 3.8.3
Translation
I had many factors here to consider.
More literally: Here I considered many things simultaneously.
Details
Hīc
(adv.): here. Ego: I. Multa
is the neuter accusative plural form of multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many. Simul
(adv.): at the same time, simultaneously; together. Cōgitō, cōgitāre, cōgitāvī, cōgitātum (1): to think (about), reflect (on), consider; plan, intend.
Hicprudentiaprosit. —Seneca, Epistles 13.12
Translation
In this matter, let prudence help you.
More literally: Here, let prudence help.
Details
Hīc
(adv.): here. Prūdentia, prūdentiae (1f): prudence; foresight; wisdom. Prōsit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of prōsum, prōdesse, prōfuī, prōfutūrus (irreg.): to be useful, help, benefit, profit (subjunctive because it’s jussive).
Confusion warning: the long vowel in hīc distinguishes it from the masculine nominative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron. or adj.): this; he, she, it. In practice you tell them apart by context.
Hinc
Hinc (adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side.
Apagehincte. —Plautus, The Ghost 518
Translation
Away with you from here.
Details
Apage: move away, away with—, begone (an imperative verb borrowed from Greek and not found in any other form in Latin; it can take an accusative object, like
tē
here). Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you (used reflexively: yourself).
Tempusestsubducerehincme. —Plautus, The Comedy of Asses 912
Translation
It’s time for me to disappear from here.
More literally: It is time to withdraw myself from here.
Details
Tempus, temporis (3n): time. Est: it is. Subdūcō, subdūcere, subdūxī, subductum (3): to draw away; lead away; withdraw stealthily. Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me, myself).
Numquamaufereshincaurum. —Plautus, Bacchides 824
Translation
You will never take the gold away from here.
Details
Numquam
(adv.): never. Auferēs
is the second person singular future form of auferō, auferre, abstulī, ablātum (3, irreg.): to carry off, take away; steal; remove, do away with. Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Aurum
is the accusative singular form of aurum, aurī (2n): gold.
Surgite, eamushinc. —John 14:31
Translation
Rise, let us go from here.
Details
Surgite
is the plural imperative form of surgō, surgere, surrēxī, surrēctum (3): to rise, get up. Eāmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of eō, īre, īvī/iī, itum (irreg.): to go, advance, proceed (subjunctive because it’s hortatory). Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side.
Hincspesroboris. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 2.4.6
Translation
This is where one sees hope of future strength.
More literally: From here, (there is) the hope of strength.
Details
Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Spēs, speī (5f): hope; expectation. Rōbur, rōboris
(3n): oak tree; strength.
More literally: Hence emerges that knowledge of virtue.
Details
Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Ille/
illa
/illud (adj.): that. Cognitiō, cognitiōnis (3f): trial or inquiry; knowledge. Virtūs, virtūtis
(3f): virtue; courage. Exsistit
is the third person singular form of exsistō, exsistere, exstitī, exstitum (3): to emerge, appear.
Next we are taken in at the well-stocked villa of Cocceius.
More literally: Next the well-stocked villa of Cocceius receives us.
Details
(He’s describing a series of places he stayed at.)
Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Nōs
is the accusative form of nōs: we (us). Coccēī
is the m/n (here m) genitive singular form of the family name Coccēius/Coccēia/Coccēium. Recipit
is the third person singular form of recipiō, recipere, recēpī, receptum (3, –iō): to get back, recover; receive, take in; accept, admit, allow. Plēnissimus/
plēnissima
/plēnissimum (1/2): very full—the superlative form of plēnus/plēna/plēnum (1/2): full. Vīlla, vīllae (1f): country house, villa.
Hincvolucrumnaturaedicentur. —Pliny the Elder, Natural History 9.186
Translation
There will follow an account of the natures of birds.
More literally: The natures of birds will be spoken of next.
Details
Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Volucrum
is the genitive plural form of volucris, volucris (3f): a flying animal, winged creature, bird (a substantive use of volucer/volucris/volucre (3): flying). Nātūrae
is the nominative plural form of nātūra, nātūrae (1f): nature. Dīcentur
is the third person plural future passive form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, speak (of).
Hincatqueillinccoorienturettuisteviribusprement. —Seneca, On Benefits 6.31.7
Translation
From this side and that side, they will rise and crush you by your own strength.
Details
(He’s quoting a warning given to Xerxes about what awaits him if he invades Greece.)
Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence; from this source; from this fact; next; on this side. Atque
/ac (conj.): and, and also, and then. Illinc
(adv.): from there, from that place, thence; from that source; from that time; on that side. Coorientur
is the third person plural future form of coorior, coorīrī, coortus sum (3, –ior/4, deponent): to come forth, arise, appear, rise; rise in opposition, break forth, attack. Et
(conj.): and. Tuīs
is the m/f/n ablative plural form of tuus/tua/tuum (1/2): your, yours. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Vīribus
is the ablative plural form of vīs, vīs (3f): strength, force, power (the plural often corresponds to the English singular
strength). Prement
is the third person plural future form of premō, premere, pressī, pressum (3): to press; crush; pursue; suppress, check, subdue.
Note some words with meanings similar to hinc:
Illinc (adv.): from there, from that place or source etc.
Illim (adv.): synonymous with illinc but much less common. Illinc was formed from illim + the enclitic – ce.
Istinc (adv.): from there (with second-person reference), from the place where you are, from the place or source relating to you, etc.
Istim (adv.): synonymous with istinc but much less common. Istinc was formed from istim + the enclitic – ce.
Contrary to the usual accentuation rules, illinc and istinc are stressed on the second syllable (il- linc and is- tinc). As with some other words we’ve seen, that’s because the stress remained in its original position (il- lin -ce, is- tin -ce) after the final e was lost.
Hūc
Hūc (adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place; to this; to this point or degree; to this object or purpose.
Accedehuctu. —Plautus, Bacchides 834
Translation
You, come here.
Details
Accēde
is the singular imperative form of accēdō, accēdere, accessī, accessum (3): to come to, approach; be added, join; agree. Hūc
(adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place; to this; to this point or degree; to this object or purpose. Tū
is the vocative form of tū: you.
Hucegoquemadmodumveni? —Seneca, Epistles 37.5
Translation
(Chicago:) How did I get here?
Details
Hūc
(adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place; to this; to this point or degree; to this object or purpose. Ego: I. Quemadmodum
(interrog. adv.): how? Veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come.
TamparvuscinisHerculeus, huc hucilledecrevitgigas! —Seneca, Hercules on Mount Oetaeus 1758 -9
Translation
The ashes of Hercules are so small, that giant is diminished to this!
More literally: So small the Herculean ash; to this, to this that giant has shrunk!
Details
Tam
(adv.): so, so much, to such an extent. Parvus
/parva/parvum (1/2): small; unimportant. Cinis, cineris (3m/f—more often m): ash. Herculeus
/herculea/herculeum (1/2): Herculean, associated with Hercules. Hūc
(adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place; to this; to this point or degree; to this object or purpose. Ille
/illa/illud (adj.): that. Dēcrēvit
is the third person singular perfect form of dēcrēscō, dēcrēscere, dēcrēvī, dēcrētum (3): to grow smaller, shrink, decrease. Gigās, gigantis (3m): giant.
HucpertinetclipeusAiacis. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 8.4.24
Translation
The shield of Ajax is relevant here.
More literally: The shield of Ajax pertains to this.
Details
Hūc
(adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place; to this; to this point or degree; to this object or purpose. Pertinet
is the third person singular form of pertineō, pertinēre, pertinuī, — (2): to reach; matter, pertain, apply, affect; belong. Clipeus, clipeī (2m): round shield. Aiāx, Aiācis
(3m): Ajax.
Note a less common synonym: hōc. If you mean I came here, you can say hōc vēnī as well as hūc vēnī. But hōc is much more often the m/n ablative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron. or adj.): this; he, she it (in an unmacronized text, the neuter nominative and accusative singular form hoc also looks like this).
Iam
Iam (adv.): already; now; soon.
Iamsatisest. —Horace, Satires 1.5.13
Translation
That’s already enough.
Details
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only; here nom.): enough. Est: it is.
Iamnoxest? —Seneca, Epistles 122.13
Translation
(Chicago:) Is it night already?
Details
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Nox, noctis (3f): night. Est: is it?
Iamteomniconfirmavitmodo. —Seneca, Consolation to Polybius 14.1
Translation
He has already strengthened you in every way.
Details
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. #
already%
Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Omnī
is the m/f/n ablative singular form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Cōnfirmāvit
is the third person singular perfect form of cōnfirmō, cōnfirmāre, cōnfirmāvī, cōnfirmātum (1): to strengthen; encourage; confirm. Modō
is the ablative singular form of modus, modī (2m): measure; limit; way, manner.
Etsiiamnegat. —Cicero, Philippics 2.69
Translation
Oh, but he now denies it!
More literally: Though now he denies (it).
Details
Etsī
(conj.): even if; though; yet. Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Negat
is the third person singular form of negō, negāre, negāvī, negātum (1): to deny; refuse.
More literally: But now I ought to close (my) letter.
Details
Sed
(conj.): but. Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Dēbeō, dēbēre, dēbuī, dēbitum (2): to owe; ought. Epistulam
is the accusative singular form of epistula, epistulae (1f): letter. Inclūdō, inclūdere, inclūsī, inclūsum (3): to enclose; close; finish, end; restrict.
With a negative word (e. g. , nōn or nec) the meaning can become no longer or not anymore.
Iamnecnuptiasvolo. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 1.5.2
Translation
I no longer even want marriage.
Details
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Neque/
nec: (as conj.) and not, nor; (as adv.) neither, not either, not even. Nūptiās
is the accusative form of nūptiae, nūptiārum (1f, plural only): nuptial rites, nuptials, wedding; marriage. Volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish; be willing.
Ibi
Ibi (adv.): there. Denotes location in a place (there = in that place). The counterpart denoting motion to a place (there = to that place) is eō. The meaning of ibi can be literal (in that place) or figurative (at that point, there and then, in that situation. . .). The length of the second i is variable. It’s often short as shown above, but it can also be long (ibī).
Ubicumquehomoest, ibibeneficilocusest. —Seneca, On the Happy Life 24.3
Translation
Wherever there is a human being, there is the opportunity for a kindness.
Details
Ubicumque
(rel. adv.): wherever. Homō, hominis (3m): man, human. Est: (there) is. Ibi
(adv.): there, in that place. Beneficium, beneficī
(2n; the genitive can also be spelled
beneficiī): benefit, kindness, favor. Locus, locī (2m): place; opportunity, occasion. Est: is.
Ubieademratio, ibieademlex. —legal maxim
Translation
Where there is the same reason, there is the same law.
Alt. : Where the reason is the same, there the law is the same.
Details
Ubi
(rel. adv.): where. Īdem/
eadem
/idem (adj.): the same. Ratiō, ratiōnis (3f): reason; method; calculation. Ibi
(adv.): there. Lēx, lēgis (3f): law, rule.
Ideō
Ideō (adv.): for this/that/the reason, therefore, that is why.
Ideononaccuso. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 10.1.12
Translation
That is why I make no accusation.
Details
Ideō
(adv.): for this/that/the reason, therefore, that is why. Nōn: not. Accūsō, accūsāre, accūsāvī, accūsātum (1): to blame, accuse.
Ideoenimpeiorest. —Seneca, On the Happy Life 2.1
Translation
For that is just the reason it is the worse side.
More literally: Indeed, it is worse for that reason.
Details
(He’s replying to the claim that “This side—pars, partis (3f)—seems to be in a majority.”)
Ideō
(adv.): for this/that/the reason, therefore, that is why. Enim
(particle): for, indeed. Peior/
peior
/peius (3): worse—the comparative form of malus/mala/malum (1/2): bad; evil. Est: it is.
Ideō
(adv.): for this/that/the reason, therefore, that is why. Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing. Nōbīs
is the dative form of nōs: we (to/for us; sometimes less literally
by us). Inprōvīsus/inprōvīsa/
inprōvīsum
(1/2—also
imprōvīsus): unforeseen, unexpected. Esse: to be. Dēbet
is the third person singular form of dēbeō, dēbēre, dēbuī, dēbitum (2): to owe; ought.
Instead of referring to a previously stated reason (as in the examples above), ideō can announce a reason that’s about to be mentioned in the form of a clause—typically a quod, quia, ut, or nē clause. Ideō quod/quia = literally for this reason, (namely) that/because. . . , for the reason that. . . ; ideō ut = for this reason, (namely) so that. . . ; ideōnē = for this reason, (namely) so that. . . not. . .
Mortemsaepeideooptantquiatiment. —Seneca, On the Shortness of Life 16.2
Translation
They often pray for death because they fear it.
More literally: They often pray for death for this reason, that they fear (it).
Details
Mortem
is the accusative singular form of mors, mortis (3f): death. Saepe
(adv.): often. Ideō
(adv.): for this/that/the reason, therefore, that is why. Optant
is the third person plural form of optō, optāre, optāvī, optātum (1): to choose; wish for, pray for. Quia
(conj.): because; that. Timent
is the third person plural form of timeō, timēre, timuī, — (2): to fear, be afraid.
More literally: Or had you come only for this reason, that you might go out?
Details
An
(interrog. particle): whether; or (in a question); it can also start a direct question. Ideō
(adv.): for this/that/the reason, therefore, that is why. Tantum
(adv.): so much; only. Vēnerās
is the second person singular pluperfect form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come. Ut
(conj.): that, so that. Exīrēs
is the second person singular imperfect subjunctive form of exeō, exīre, exīvī/exiī, exitum (irreg.): to exit, go out (subjunctive because it’s in a purpose clause).
Ideoaliquidpaterisnequandopatiendumsit? —Quintilian, Minor Declamations 283.3
Translation
Do you suffer something for fear that it may some day have to be suffered?
More literally: Do you suffer something for this reason, lest it is to be suffered sometime?
Details
Ideō
(adv.): for this/that/the reason, therefore, that is why. Aliquid
is the neuter accusative singular form of aliquis/aliqua/aliquid (pron.): someone, something; anyone, anything. Pateris
is the second person singular form of patior, patī, passus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to suffer, undergo; endure; allow. Nē
(conj.): that not, lest. Quandō
(indef. adv.): ever, at any time; sometime, someday (it replaces
aliquandō
in some types of clauses, especially after
sī, nisi, num
and
nē). Patiendus/patienda/
patiendum
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be suffered) of the same verb. Sit: it be—the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s in a purpose clause).
Illīc
Illīc (adv.): there. It can be meant literally (in that place) or figuratively (in that case, situation, etc.). Illīc denotes location in a place (e. g. , he’s standing there = in that place); for counterparts meaning to that place (e. g. , let’s go there), see illō and illūc.
Illīc is one of the rare two-syllable Latin words that takes stress on the second syllable (il- līc). The word was originally illīce (il- lī -ce); the accent remained in its original place after the loss of the final e.
Illicegohabito. —Plautus, Pseudolus 890
Translation
I live there.
Details
Illīc
(adv.): there. Ego: I. Habitō, habitāre, habitāvī, habitātum (1): to dwell, inhabit, live (in a place).
Semperillicserenumest. —Seneca, Epistles 59.16
Translation
Eternal calm pervades that region.
More literally: It is always tranquil there.
Details
(In the mind of the sage.)
Semper
(adv.): always. Illīc
(adv.): there. Serēnus/serēna/
serēnum
(1/2): clear, tranquil, serene. Est: it is.
Illicvinciturpeest, hicvincere. —Seneca, On Anger 2.32.1
Translation
In the one case it is shameful to be outdone, in the other not to be outdone.
More literally: There it is shameful to be outdone, here to outdo.
Details
(Returning kindnesses vs. returning injuries.)
Illīc
(adv.): there. Vincī
is the passive infinitive form of vincō, vincere, vīcī, victum (3): to conquer, defeat; surpass, outdo; win, be victorious. Turpis/turpis/
turpe
(3): ugly, shameful, disgraceful, foul. Est: it is. Hīc
(adv.): here. Vincō, vincere, vīcī, victum (3): to conquer, defeat; surpass, outdo; win, be victorious.
In the one case let us throw our bodies forward, in the others let us put the check-rein on them.
More literally: Here let us drive forward (our) bodies, there let us restrain (them).
Details
(He’s comparing how we go up and down a hill to how we might approach work and pleasure.)
Hīc
(adv.): here. Inpellāmus
is the third person plural subjunctive form of inpellō, inpellere, inpulī, inpulsum (3—also
impellō): to push, drive forward. Corpora
is the accusative plural form of corpus, corporis (3n): (our) bodies. Illīc
(adv.): there. Refrēnēmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of refrēnō, refrēnāre, refrēnāvī, refrēnātum (1): to check, curb, restrain. (The verbs are hortatory subjunctives.)
Confusion warning. There’s a (mostly archaic) adjective-pronoun whose masculine nominative singular form looks the same as illīc in an unmacronized text: illic/illaec/illuc (pron. or adj.): that; he, she it (equivalent to ille/illa/illud). In other words, you might occasionally see illic used like ille.
Illō
Illō (adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place.
More literally: I will lead you to that place where you would not spit.
Details
(Quoting the poet Naevius.)
Illō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Dūcam
is the first person singular future form of dūcō, dūcere, dūxī, ductum (3): to lead, guide, bring, take (to a place); draw; think, consider. Ubi
(rel. adv.): where. Nōn: not. Dēspuās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of dēspuō, dēspuere, —, — (3): to spit (out); reject, abhor (subjunctive because it’s in a relative clause of purpose or characteristic).
Hincteillofurorrapiet, illincalio. —Seneca, On Anger 3.28.1
Translation
Rage will sweep you hither and yon, this way and that.
More literally: Fury will sweep you from here to there, from there to another place.
Details
Hinc
(adv.): from here. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Illō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place. Furor, furōris (3m): madness; rage, fury. Rapiet
is the third person singular future form of rapiō, rapere, rapuī, raptum (3, –iō): to snatch, carry off, carry away, sweep along. Illinc
(adv.): from there; from that side; from that source. Aliō
(adv.): to another place.
Quoniam
(conj.): now that; seeing that, since, inasmuch as; because. Ēvāsistī
is the second person singular perfect form of ēvādō, ēvādere, ēvāsī, ēvāsum (3): to escape. Mortem
is the accusative singular form of mors, mortis (3f): death. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Illō
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place. Redī
is the singular imperative form of redeō, redīre, rediī, reditum (irreg.): to go back, return.
Confusion warning. This word is not to be confused with the identical-looking m/n ablative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron. or adj.): that; he, she it. To the first illustration above, compare:
Proilloteducam. —Terence, The Eunuch 371
Translation
I could take you instead of him.
More literally: I would lead you in place of him.
Details
Prō
(prep.): in front of, before; in exchange for, instead of; for, on behalf of (takes the ablative). Illō
is the m/n ablative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she it. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Dūcam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of dūcō, dūcere, dūxī, ductum (3): to lead, guide, bring, take (to a place); draw; think, consider (potential subjunctive; it’s part of a future-less-vivid conditional: if X were to happen, I would. . .).
Illūc
Illūc (adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to that point. Illūc is one of the few two-syllable Latin nouns stressed on the second syllable (il- lūc). The word was originally illūce (il- lū -ce) and the second syllable retained the stress even after the word was reduced.
Ferorhucilluc. —Ovid, Medea 2
Translation
I am carried hither and thither.
Alt. I’m carried to this place, to that place.
Details
Feror
is the first person singular passive form of ferō, ferre, tulī, lātum (3, irreg.): to carry, bear; endure; drive. Hūc
(adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place. Illūc
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to that point.
Transeonuncilluc. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 4.1.75
Translation
I now pass to that point. .
Details
(Suggested wording for orators to use when changing topics.)
Trānseō, trānsīre, trānsīvī/trānsiī, trānsitum (irreg.): to pass (over/by); go across. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Illūc
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to that point.
Sedredeamusilluc, undedevertimus. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 12.25.5
Translation
But enough of this digression; let us return to our topic.
More literally: But let us return there, from where we have turned aside.
Details
Sed
(conj.): but. Redeāmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of redeō, redīre, rediī, reditum (irreg.): to go back, return (a hortatory subjunctive). Illūc
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to that point. Unde
(rel. adv.): from where. Dēvertimus
is the first person plural perfect form of dēvertō, dēvertere, dēvertī, dēversum (3): to turn away, turn aside.
Concessereillucomnes. —Sallust, Fragments of the Histories Macr.24
Translation
All men have gone over to their side.
Details
Concessēre
is the third person plural perfect form of concēdō, concēdere, concessī, concessum (3): to depart, withdraw; go over; give in, submit; concede. (alternative form of
concessērunt)
Illūc
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to that point. Omnēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every.
Sineveniantillucamici, sinepropinqui. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 2.4.6
Translation
Let the friends and relatives come there.
More literally: Allow (that) friends come there, allow relatives.
Details
Sine
is the singular imperative form of sinō, sinere, sīvī, situm (3): to allow (it can be completed by a subjunctive verb). Veniant
is the third person plural subjunctive form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come. Illūc
(adv.): there (with motion), thither, to that place; to that point. Amīcī
is the nominative plural form of amīcus, amīcī (2m): friend. Propinquī
is the masculine nominative plural form of propinquus/propinqua/propinquum (1/2): near, close (used substantively to mean
relative).
Note a rare synonym: illōc. This word is stressed the same way as illūc, for the same reason. (Also see illō for a more common synonym.)
Inde
Inde (adv.): from there, from that place, thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why.
Nuncredeoinde. —Plautus, The Captives 490
Translation
Now I’m returning from there.
Details
Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Redeō, redīre, rediī, reditum (irreg.): to go back, return. Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place, thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why.
Virmeushinc
ieras: curnonmeusinderedisti? —Ovid, The Heroines 6.111
Translation
As my husband you went forth hence; why as mine have you not returned from there?
Alt: You went away from here being my husband; why have you not returned mine?
Details
Vir, virī (2m): man; husband. Meus
/mea/meum (1/2): my, mine. Hinc
(adv.): from here, from this place, hence. #from here#
Ierās
is the second person singular pluperfect form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Cūr
(interrog. adv.): why? Nōn: not. Meus
/mea/meum (1/2): my, mine. Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place, thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why. Redīstī
is the second person singular perfect form of redeō, redīre, rediī, reditum (irreg.): to go back, return.
Sacruficant: dantindepartemmihimaioremquamsibi. —Plautus, The Braggart Soldier 711
Translation
They sacrifice; from that source they give a bigger part to me than to themselves.
Details
Sacruficant
is the third person plural form of sacruficō, sacruficāre, sacruficāvī, sacruficātum (1—also
sacrificō): to sacrifice, make or offer a ritual sacrifice. Dant
is the third person plural form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give. Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place, thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why. Partem
is the accusative singular form of pars, partis (3f): part; function. Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (to me). Maiōrem
is the m/f accusative singular form of maior/maior/maius (3): greater, larger—the comparative form of magnus/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large. Quam
(rel. adv.): than. Sibi: to themselves—the dative form of the reflexive pronoun.
Caedesindemagisquampugnafuit. —Livy, History of Rome 23.40.11
Translation
From then on it was a bloodbath rather than a battle.
Details
Caedēs, caedis (3f): slaughter, killing, murder; the act of cutting off. Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place; thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why. Magis
(adv.): more; rather. Quam
(rel. adv.): than. Pugna, pugnae (1f): fight, battle, combat. Fuit
is the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
The next quote illustrates a common phrase. Inde ab/ā, often combined with iam, means ever since X, right from X.
Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place; thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why. Ab/
ā
(prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Prīncipiō
is the ablative singular form of prīncipium, prīncipiī (2n): beginning, origin. Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Inpudēns, inpudentis (3—also
impudēns): shameless, impudent. Epistula, epistulae (1f): letter. Est: is.
Indeambulavitinlitore. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 13.52.1
Translation
Then he took a walk on the shore.
Details
Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place; thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why. Ambulāvit
is the third person singular perfect form of ambulō, ambulāre, ambulāvī, ambulātum (1): to walk. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Lītore
is the ablative singular form of lītus, lītoris (3n): seashore, beach.
Indevinocarensstomachus. —Seneca, Epistles 108.16
Translation
That is why my stomach is unacquainted with wine.
Details
Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place, thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why. Vīnō
is the ablative singular form of vīnum, vīnī (2n): wine. Carēns, carentis (3) is the present active participle (lacking) of careō, carēre, caruī, caritum (2): to lack, be without, be free from. Stomachus, stomachī (2m): gullet; stomach; taste (liking or distaste); vexation, ill temper.
Indediisquoqueirascimur. —Seneca, On Anger 3.31.1
Translation
This is why we grow angry at the gods, too.
Details
(Because we see someone doing better than us, and forget about those who aren’t doing as well.)
Inde
(adv.): from there, from that place, thence; from it, from that source or material; from that time, from then on; then, next; therefore, that is why. Diīs
is the dative plural form of deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god. Quoque
(adv.): also, too, as well. Īrāscimur
is the first person plural form of īrāscor, īrāscī, īrātus sum (3, deponent): to be or become angry (takes a dative object).
Interdum
Interdum (adv.): sometimes, at times, now and then.
Interdumquiesinquietaest. —Seneca, Epistles 56.8
Translation
Sometimes quiet means disquiet.
Details
(As when you can’t sleep because your mind is noisy.)
Interdum
(adv.): sometimes, at times, now and then. Quiēs, quiētis (3f): rest; quiet, peace. Inquiētus/
inquiēta
/inquiētum (1/2): restless, uneasy. Est: is.
For we sometimes know facts without paying attention to them.
More literally: For sometimes we know and do not pay attention.
Details
Interdum
(adv.): sometimes, at times, now and then. Enim
(particle): for. Scīmus
is the first person plural form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. Neque/
nec: (conj.) and not, nor; (adv.) neither, not either, not even. Adtendimus
is the first person plural form of adtendō, adtendere, adtendī, adtentum (3—also
attendō): to direct toward; pay attention to, attend to.
Interim
Interim (adv.): meanwhile, in the meantime; for the time being, for a while.
More literally: Meanwhile, predict better things for you.
Details
(You’ll suffer soon enough when disasters happen, if they do. In the meantime you’re better off thinking optimistically.)
Interim
(adv.): meanwhile, in the meantime; for the time being, for a while. Tibi
is the dative form of tū: you (used reflexively: yourself). Meliōra
is the neuter accusative plural form of melior/melior/melius (3): better—the comparative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Prōmitte
is the singular imperative form of prōmittō, prōmittere, prōmīsī, prōmissum (3): to send forth; promise; give hope or promise of, cause to expect; predict; prolong.
Perhaps it will be, perhaps it won’t be; in the meantime it is not.
Details
(How to think about things in the future that scare you.)
Fortasse
(adv.): perhaps. Erit
is the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Nōn: not. Interim
(adv.): meanwhile, in the meantime; for the time being, for a while. Est: it is.
Intus
Intus (adv.): within, inside.
Nequeintus, nequeforis. —Erasmus, Adagia (1536)
Translation
Neither inside nor outside.
Details
(Of someone who belongs to no group.)
Neque
/nec: (conj.) and not, nor; (adv.) neither, not either, not even (neque. . . neque: neither. . . nor). Intus
(adv.): within, inside. Neque
/nec: (conj.) and not, nor. Forīs
(adv.): outdoors, outside.
Intusinsidiaesunt, intusinclusumpericulumest, intusesthostis. —Cicero, Against Catiline 2.11
Translation
The plots, the danger, the enemy are in our own midst.
More literally: The plots are inside, the danger is confined inside, the enemy is inside.
Details
(Not from foreign powers.)
Intus
(adv.): within, inside. Īnsidiae, īnsidiārum (1f, plural only): ambush, plot(s), snare, treacherous attack. Sunt: (they) are. Inclūsus/inclūsa/
inclūsum
(1/2) is the perfect passive participle (confined) of inclūdō, inclūdere, inclūsī, inclūsum (3): to confine, enclose, imprison; include. Perīculum, perīculī (2n): danger, risk; attempt, experiment. Est: is. Intus
(adv.): within, inside. Hostis, hostis (3m/f): enemy.
Intusomniadissimiliasint. —Seneca, Epistles 5.2
Translation
Inwardly, we ought to be different in all respects.
More literally: Inside let all things be different.
Details
(But let our exterior conform to society.)
Intus
(adv.): within, inside. Omnia
is the neuter nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Dissimilia
is the neuter nominative plural form of dissimilis/dissimilis/dissimile (3): unlike, dissimilar, different. Sint
is the third person plural subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s jussive).
Propeesta
te
deus, tecumest, intusest. —Seneca, Epistles 41.1
Translation
God is near you, he is with you, he is within you.
Details
Prope
(adv.): near. Est: is. Ab/
ā
(prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative) (prope ab X = a short distance from X, close to X, near X). Tē
is the ablative form of tū: you. Deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god, deity. Tēcum: with you (tē = you; cum = with). #
with you%
Est: he is. Intus
(adv.): within, inside. Est: he is.
Istīc
Istīc (adv.): there (where you are), in the place where you are, in that place or circumstance relating to you; (occasionally without second-person reference) here. For a counterpart involving motion ( = to the place where you are), see istūc. Istīc is one of the few two-syllable Latin words stressed on the second syllable (is- tīc). The word used to be istīce (is- tī -ce); it kept the stress in its original position after the e was lost.
Quidfuitisticanteascriptum? —Cicero, Against Verres 2.2.104
Translation
What was written there before?
Details
(Pointing to an erasure in a document.) Quis/quis/
quid
(interrog. pron.): who? what? Fuit
is the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Istīc
(adv.): there (where you are), in the place where you are, in that place or circumstance relating to you; (occasionally without second-person reference) here. Anteā
(adv.): before, earlier. Scrīptus/scrīpta/
scrīptum
(1/2) is the perfect passive participle (written) of scrībō, scrībere, scrīpsī, scrīptum (3): to write.
Isticmaloviropropiuses. —Seneca, Epistles 25.7
Translation
(Chicago:) Where you are, you are too close to a bad man.
Details
(Namely yourself; so maybe you should go spend time with others.)
Istīc
(adv.): there (where you are), in the place where you are, in that place or circumstance relating to you; (occasionally without second-person reference) here. Malō
is the m/n dative singular form of malus/mala/malum (1/2): bad; evil. Virō
is the dative singular form of vir, virī (2m): man. Propius: nearer, closer; rather near, rather close; too near, too close—the comparative form of prope (adv.): near. Es: you are.
Isticnunc, metuende, iace. —Virgil, Aeneid 10.557
Translation
Now lie there, frightful man!
More literally: Now lie there, to-be-feared!
Details
Istīc
(adv.): there (where you are), in the place where you are, in that place or circumstance relating to you; (occasionally without second-person reference) here. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Metuende
is the masculine vocative singular form of metuendus/metuenda/metuendum (1/2), the gerundive (to be feared) of metuō, metuere, metuī, metūtum (3): to fear, be afraid of, dread. Iacē
is the singular imperative form of iaceō, iacēre, iacuī, iacitum (2): to lie (in a certain place or state), be in a recumbent position; lie overthrown, be laid low.
There is neither sowing nor reaping in that for my benefit.
More literally: It is neither sown nor reaped for me there.
Less literally: I have no interest in the matter.
Details
Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (to/for me). Istīc
(adv.): there (where you are), in the place where you are, in that place or circumstance relating to you; (occasionally without second-person reference) here. Neque/
nec: (conj.) and not, nor; (adv.) neither, not either, not even (nec. . . nec = neither. . . nor). Seritur
is the third person singular passive form of serō, serere, sēvī, satum (3): to sow, plant. Neque/
nec: (conj.) and not, nor. Metitur
is the third person singular passive form of metō, metere, messuī, messum (3): to reap, harvest. (The verbs are impersonal passives.)
Confusion warning. In an unmacronized text, istīc looks identical to the masculine nominative singular form of istic/istaec/istuc (pron. or adj.): that (of yours), that which you mention, that person or thing you speak of.
Istūc
Istūc (adv.): there (with motion and second-person reference), to the place where you are, to the place or point that relates to you, to the place or point you mention, etc. Istūc is one of the few two-syllable Latin words stressed on the second syllable (is- tūc). The word was originally istūce (is- tū -ce) and the stress remained in its initial position even after the e got dropped.
Concedeistucpaullulum. —Terence, The Eunuch 706
Translation
Move over there a bit.
Details
Concēde
is the singular imperative form of concēdō, concēdere, concessī, concessum (3): to depart, withdraw, go away; give place to, give in, submit, yield; concede. Istūc
(adv.): there (with motion and second-person reference), to the place where you are, to the place or point that relates to you, to the place or point you mention, etc. Paullulum
(adv.): a little, a bit, to a small extent, slightly, by a short distance.
Ecastorveroistuceoquantumpotest. —Plautus, The Merchant 691
Translation
By Castor, truly, I’m going there as quickly as possible.
Details
Ēcastor
(interj.): by Castor (used by women in asseverations). Vērō
(particle): truly, in truth, indeed; but, however, on the other hand. Eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Istūc
(adv.): there (with motion and second-person reference), to the place where you are, to the place or point that relates to you, to the place or point you mention, etc. Quantum
(rel. adv.): as much as. Potest
is the third person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can; have (a specified amount of) power or influence; (impersonally) it can be done, it is possible.
Mane. Scio; istucibam. —Terence, The Brothers 82 0-2 1
Translation
Hold on. I know. I was coming to that.
More literally: Wait. I know; I was going there.
Details
(Fending off an interruption.)
Manē
is the singular imperative form of maneō, manēre, mānsī, mānsum (2): to remain, stay; wait. Sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. Istūc
(adv.): there (with motion and second-person reference), to the place where you are, to the place or point that relates to you, to the place or point you mention, etc. Ībam
is the first person singular imperfect form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go.
Putaviessecommodiusmeistucvenire. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 12.34.1
Translation
I have thought it best to come your way.
More literally: I have thought me to be more convenient me to come there (where you are).
Details
Putō, putāre, putāvī, putātum (1): to think, regard, suppose. Esse: to be. Commodius
is the neuter accusative singular form of commodior/commodior/commodius (3): more convenient—the comparative form of commodus/commoda/commodum (1/2): convenient; agreeable. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Istūc
(adv.): there (with motion and second-person reference), to the place where you are, to the place or point that relates to you, to the place or point you mention, etc. Veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come.
Iamegoistucrevortar, miles. —Plautus, The Little Carthaginian 615
Translation
I’ll return to you there in a moment, soldier.
Details
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Ego: I. Istūc
(adv.): there (with motion and second-person reference), to the place where you are, to the place or point that relates to you, to the place or point you mention, etc. Revortar
is the first person singular future form of revortor, revortī, revorsus sum (3, deponent—also
revertor): to return. Mīles
is the vocative singular form of mīles, mīlitis (3m): soldier.
Confusion warning. In an unmacronized text, istūc looks the same as the more common istuc, the neuter nominative and accusative singular form of istic/istaec/istuc (pron. or adj.): that (of yours), that which you mention, that person or thing you speak of. For example:
Nonireistuc, sederrareest. —Seneca, Epistles 45.1
Translation
What you suggest is not traveling; it is wandering.
More literally: That is not going but wandering.
Details
(Reading lightly in too many books instead of reading a small number closely.)
Nōn: not. Eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Istic/istaec/
istuc
(pron.): that (of yours), that which you mention, that person or thing you speak of. Sed
(conj.): but. Errō, errāre, errāvī, erratum (1): to err, be wrong, make a mistake; wander; go astray. Est: is.
Note two synonyms of istūc: istō and istōc. The first of these is not to be confused with the m/n ablative singular form of iste/ista/istud (pron. or adj.): that (of yours); he, she, it. Istōc is stressed on the second syllable, like istūc, and for the same reason.
Ita
Ita (adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way (sometimes meaning in the way just described, sometimes in the way about to be described); yes.
Nonestita. —Cicero, On Duties 1.158
Translation
It is not so.
Details
Nōn: not. Est: it is. Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes.
Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (to me). Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes. Vidētur
is the third person singular passive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem, appear.
Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes. Prōrsus
(adv.): straight ahead; thoroughly, totally, altogether, quite. Exīstimō, exīstimāre, exīstimāvī, exīstimātum (1): to think, judge.
Ita is often used together with ut. Ita. . . ut with a subjunctive verb after ut means so. . . that or in such a way that (the ut clause is then usually a result clause, sometimes with a nuance of purpose):
Itaiactanturfluctibusutnumquamadluantur. —Cicero, In Defense of Sextus Roscius Amerinus 72
Translation
They are tossed by the waves without ever being cleansed by washing.
More literally: They are tossed by the waves in such a way that they never are washed.
Details
Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes. Iactantur
is the third person plural passive form of iactō, iactāre, iactāvī, iactātum (1): to throw, toss; boast (about), show off. Flūctibus
is the ablative plural form of flūctus, flūctūs (4m): flood; wave. Ut
(conj.): that, so that. Numquam
(adv.): never. Adluantur
is the third person plural passive subjunctive form of adluō, adluere, adluī, — (3—also
alluō): to lap, wash, bathe.
Desuisbonisitadatutabiurenonabeat. —Cicero, Against Verres 2.1.114
Translation
He makes, out of his own property, a perfectly legal gift.
More literally: He gives from his own possessions in such a way that he does not depart from the law.
Details
Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Suīs: his (own)—the m/f/n ablative plural form of suus/sua/suum (1/2). Bonīs
is the ablative plural form of bonum, bonī (2n): a good thing, a good; benefit; (in pl.) possessions. Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes. Dat
is the third person singular form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give, grant. Ut
(conj.): that, so that. Ab
/ā (prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Iūre
is the ablative singular form of iūs, iūris (3n): right, law. Nōn: not. Abeat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of abeō, abīre, abiī, abitum (irreg.): to go away, depart; disappear, vanish; be transformed (into).
Ut. . . ita or ita. . . ut with an indicative verb after ut, or if ut has no verb at all, means as. . . so, (just) as, in the way that, in the same way as:
Placetitagerimagistratusutgeruntur? —Cicero, Against Verres 2.3.208
Translation
Are you satisfied that our governors shall govern as they do?
More literally: Does it please (for) offices to be carried on in the way that they are carried on?
Details
Placet
is the third person singular form of placeō, placēre, placuī, placitum (2): to please, be pleasing (to), be approved of; be decided or agreed upon. Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes. Gerī
is the passive infinitive form of gerō, gerere, gessī, gestum (3): to bear, carry; wear; carry on, conduct, do, perform; rule, manage, govern. Magistrātūs
is the accusative plural form of magistrātus, magistrātūs (4m): magistrate; magistracy, office of a magistrate. Ut
(rel. adv.): in the same way (as). Geruntur
is the third person plural passive form of gerō, gerere, gessī, gestum (3): to bear, carry; wear; carry on, conduct, do, perform; rule, manage, govern.
Utcorporumita
animorum
mollitervitiatractandasunt. —Seneca, On Benefits 7.30.1
Translation
The cankers of the mind, as of the body, must be handled tenderly.
Details
Ut
(rel. adv.): as. Corporum
is the genitive plural form of corpus, corporis (3n): body. Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes. #so#
Animōrum
is the genitive plural form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul. Molliter
(adv.): softly, gently; agreeably; patiently. Vitia
is the nominative plural form of vitium, vitiī (2n): vice, fault, defect. Tractanda
is the neuter nominative plural form of tractandus/tractanda/tractandum (1/2), the gerundive (to be handled) of tractō, tractāre, tractāvī, tractātum (1): to handle; manage; treat; discuss. Sunt: (they) are.
Ita. . . ut can be used in oaths and asseverations. The verb after ita often goes in the subjunctive and conveys a desired event; the verb after ut goes in the indicative and denotes what you’re swearing is true: literally so may (a good thing happen) as (X or Y is true):
Itavivamutmaximossumptusfacio. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 5.15.2
Translation
Upon my life I am spending a fortune.
More literally: So may I live as I am making very great expenses.
Details
Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes. Vīvam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live (subjunctive because it’s a command or wish). Ut
(rel. adv.): as. Maximōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of maximus/maxima/maximum (1/2): very great/greatest, very large/largest—the superlative form of magnus/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large. Sūmptūs
is the accusative plural form of sūmptus, sūmptūs (4m): expense, cost, charge. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
Ita can be used as an affirmative answer or reaction: it is so, yes.
(Etprotehucdeductust?)
Ita. —Terence, The Eunuch 708
Translation
(And he was brought over here in place of you?) Yes.
Details
Et
(conj.): and. Prō
(prep.): in front of, before; in exchange for, instead of; for, on behalf of (takes the ablative). Tē
is the ablative form of tū: you. Hūc
(adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place. Dēductust
is a contraction of
dēductus est, the third person masculine singular perfect passive form of dēdūcō, dēdūcere, dēdūxī, dēductum (3): to lead or bring away; bring to a place. Ita
(adv.): so, thus, in this way, in that way, in such a way; yes.
Itaque
Itaque (adv.): (and) so, therefore, accordingly. Ita + the enclitic conjunction – que.
Itaquesiletur. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 3.12.1
Translation
And so there is silence.
Details
Itaque
(adv.): (and) so, therefore, accordingly. Silētur
is the third person singular passive form of sileō, silēre, siluī, — (2): to be silent (it’s in the impersonal passive).
Perititaque
ex
decretosuo. —Seneca, Epistles 104.32
Translation
So he died by his own decision.
Details
(After recounting Cato’s resolution to commit suicide if Caesar won the civil war.)
Perīt
(contraction of
periit) is the third person singular perfect form of pereō, perīre, periī, peritum (irreg.): to vanish; be destroyed, perish, die. Itaque
(adv.): (and) so, therefore, accordingly. Ex
/ē
(prep.): out of, from; by reason of, on account of (takes ablative). Dēcrētō
is the ablative singular form of dēcrētum, dēcrētī (2n): decision, decree. Suō: his (own)—the m/n ablative singular form of suus/sua/suum (1/2).
Item
Item (adv.): just so, in like manner, likewise; also, as well.
Strife begets strife, and injury likewise begets injury.
Details
Lītem
is the accusative singular form of līs, lītis (3f): strife, dispute; lawsuit. Parit
is the third person singular form of pariō, parere, peperī, partum (3, –iō): to give birth to; beget. Līs, lītis (3f): strife, dispute; lawsuit. Noxa, noxae (1f): hurt, harm, injury; offense, crime. Item
(adv.): just so, in like manner, likewise; also, as well. Noxam
is the accusative singular form of noxa, noxae (1f): hurt, harm, injury; offense, crime. Parit
is the third person singular form of pariō, parere, peperī, partum (3, –iō): to give birth to; beget.
Itemdeceterisnavibusdicit. —Cicero, Against Verres 2.5.112
Translation
He also tells us about the other ships.
Details
Item
(adv.): just so, in like manner, likewise; also, as well. Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Cēterīs
is the m/f/n ablative plural form of cēterus/cētera/cēterum (1/2): (all) the rest (of); in plural: (all the) other(s). Nāvibus
is the ablative plural form of nāvis, nāvis (3f): ship. Dīcit
is the third person singular form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, tell.
Nōn item (literally not likewise) can be used to deny concisely, about one person or thing, what has been affirmed about another: X is/does/etc. Y; Z not likewise; i.e., Z isn’t/doesn’t/etc.
Quiasunthaeccotidiana, anguesnonitem. —Cicero, On Divination 2.62
Translation
Because we see them every day; snakes we do not.
More literally: Because there are these every day; snakes not likewise.
Details
(Why someone doesn’t summon soothsayers at the sight of mice, but did when he saw a snake in his house.)
Quia
(conj.): because; that. Sunt: are. Haec
is the neuter nominative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Cōtīdiāna
is the neuter nominative plural form of cōtīdiānus/cōtīdiāna/cōtīdiānum (1/2—also
cottīdiānus): everyday, daily; seen, used, encountered, occurring etc. every day. Anguēs
is the nominative plural form of anguis, anguis (3m/f): snake, serpent. Nōn: not. Item
(adv.): just so, in like manner, likewise; also, as well.
More literally: The enormous roar crashes again and again repeatedly.
Details
Iterum
(adv.): again, a second time, once more (iterum atque iterum: again and again, repeatedly). Atque
/ac (conj.): and, and also, and then. Iterum
(adv.): again, a second time, once more. Fragor, fragōris (3m): a breaking; crash, roar, din. Increpat
is the third person singular form of increpō, increpāre, increpuī/increpāvī, increpitum (1): to make a sharp loud noise, rattle, roar, clash, crash, etc. ; chide, upbraid, reproach. Ingēns, ingentis (3, adj.): huge, enormous.
Iterumactertionominavi. —Cicero, In Defense of Sextus Roscius Amerinus 60
Translation
I mentioned him a second and a third time.
Details
Iterum
(adv.): again, a second time, once more. Atque/
ac
(conj.): and, and also, and then. Tertiō
(adv.): for the third time; thirdly. Nōminō, nōmināre, nōmināvī, nōminātum (1): to name, mention.
Vulpēs, vulpis (3f): fox. Nōn: not. Iterum
(adv.): again, a second time, once more. Capitur
is the third person singular passive form of capiō, capere, cēpī, captum (3, –iō): to take, seize, capture, catch. Laqueō
is the ablative singular form of laqueus, laqueī (2m): noose; snare, trap.
Longē
Longē (adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time.
Longē can, of course, refer to literal space.
Longelateque. —Erasmus, Adagia (1536)
Translation
Far and wide.
Details
(Everywhere.)
Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Lātēque
(adv.): broadly, wide(ly) (the enclitic conjunction –
que
adds
and).
Abesselongenolebam. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 3.19.1
Translation
I did not want to be far away.
Details
Absum, abesse, āfuī, āfutūrus (irreg.): to be absent, be away. Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Nōlēbam
is the first person singular imperfect form of nōlō, nōlle, nōluī, — (irreg.): to not want, refuse, be unwilling.
Longeservetvestigiaconiunx. —Virgil, Aeneid 2.711
Translation
Let my wife follow our steps at a distance.
More literally: Let my wife keep from our steps at a distance.
Details
Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Servet
is the third person singular subjunctive form of servō, servāre, servāvī, servātum (1): to save; protect; keep (a jussive subjunctive). Vestīgia
is the accusative plural form of vestīgium, vestīgiī (2n): step; footprint, track. Coniūnx, coniugis (3m/f): spouse; husband or wife.
But sometimes the sense is more figurative.
Longeabestameregnisuspicio. —Cicero, In Defense of Sulla 27
Translation
The suspicion of being a tyrant is quite foreign to my character.
More literally: Suspicion of tyranny is far away from me.
Details
Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Abest
is the third person singular form of absum, abesse, āfuī, āfutūrus (irreg.): to be away, be absent, be distant. Ab/
ā
(prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Mē
is the ablative form of ego: I (me). Rēgnum, rēgnī
(2n): kingdom; kingship; despotism, tyranny (Republican Romans tended to view kingship as a bad thing, necessarily equal to tyranny). Suspīciō, suspīciōnis (3f): suspicion, distrust.
Longē esse or longē abesse sometimes means idiomatically to be of no avail (to someone in the dative).
Longeillideamatererit. —Virgil, Aeneid 12.52
Translation
His divine mother will be of no avail to him.
More literally: His goddess mother will be far away for him.
Details
Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Illī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Dea, deae (1f): goddess. Māter, mātris (3f): mother. Erit
is the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Longē can also mean (by) far when one thing is compared to another (or more).
Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (to me). Vērō
(particle): truly, in truth, indeed; but, however, on the other hand. Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Vidētur
is the third person singular passive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem. Secus
(adv.): otherwise, differently.
I am far stronger than you, and yet I am starving.
More literally: I, who am stronger by far, am perishing from hunger.
Details
Ego: I. Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Sum: am. Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Fortior
/fortior/fortius (3): braver; stronger—the comparative form of fortis/fortis/forte (3): brave; strong. Pereō, perīre, periī, peritum (irreg.): to disappear; be destroyed, perish, die. Famē
is the ablative singular form of famēs, famis (3f—but with an ablative singular form from the fifth declension; hence the long
e): hunger.
Hicdiesnostrislongegravissimusfuit. —Caesar, The Gallic War 5.43.5
Translation
This day was by far the most serious for our troops.
Details
Hic
/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Diēs, diēī (5m/f): day. Nostrīs
is the m/f/n dative plural form of noster/nostra/nostrum (1/2): our, ours (the masculine plural is used substantively to mean
our men). Longē
(adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time. Gravissimus
/gravissima/gravissimum (1/2): very heavy/heaviest; very/most serious; very/most grievous or severe—the superlative form of gravis/gravis/grave (3); heavy; serious; grievous, severe. Fuit
is the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Sometimes longē means for a long time. But this meaning is rare outside the comparative form (longius), and even then it’s less common than the spatial sense.
Nequeinterrismoraborlongius. —Horace, Odes 2.20.3
Translation
Nor will I linger on earth for long.
Details
Neque
/nec: (conj.) and not, nor; (adv.) neither, not either, not even. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Terrīs
is the ablative plural form of terra, terrae (1f): land; region; earth (the plural can refer to all the lands and hence to the earth as a whole). Morābor
is the first person singular future form of moror, morārī, morātus sum (1, deponent): to delay, retard; stay, linger. Longius
(adv.): farther away, rather far away, too far away; longer, rather long, too long—the comparative form of longē (adv.): far, far away, far off, at a distance; by far; long, for a long time.
Magis
Magis (adv.): more; rather.
Magisvanaperturbant. —Seneca, Epistles 13.9
Translation
It is the idle report that disturbs us most.
(Chicago:) Empty causes produce even more trepidation.
More literally: Empty things trouble (us) more.
Details
Magis (
adv.): more; rather. Vāna
is the neuter nominative plural form of vānus/vāna/vānum (1/2): empty; insubstantial, illusory. Perturbant
is the third person plural form of perturbō, perturbāre, perturbāvī, perturbātum (1): to throw into confusion; perturb, disturb, trouble.
DeGraeciacotidiemagisetmagiscogito. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 14.18.4
Translation
I am daily thinking more and more about Greece.
Details
Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes ablative). Graeciā
is the ablative singular form of Graecia, Graeciae (1f): Greece. Cōtīdiē
(adv.): every day, daily. Magis (
adv.): more; rather. Et
(conj.): and. Cōgitō, cōgitāre, cōgitāvī, cōgitātum (1): to think.
He is more ready to congratulate the one, but he feels more respect for the other.
More literally: To the one he gives more congratulations, the other he admires more.
Details
Alterī
is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of alter/altera/alterum (1/2, irreg.): the other. Magis
(adv.): more; rather. Grātulātur
is the third person singular form of grātulor, grātulārī, grātulātus sum (1, deponent): to congratulate (the congratulated party goes in the dative). Alterum
is the m/n (here m) accusative singular form of alter/altera/alterum (1/2, irreg.): the other. Suspicit
is the third person singular form of suspiciō, suspicere, suspexī, suspectum (3, –iō): to look up at; look up to, admire, respect; suspect.
Magis. . . quam can mean rather than as well as more than. See the entry on quam for examples of both.
Male
Male (adv.): badly. It means in a bad manner in various senses: in a wrong, incorrect, unpleasant, immoral, unfortunate, etc. , manner.
Malevaleo; parsfatiest. —Seneca, Epistles 96.1
Translation
I am ill; but that is a part of my lot.
More literally: I am badly in health; it is part of (my) fate.
Details
Male
(adv.): badly. Valeō, valēre, valuī, valitum (2): to be strong, be well, be healthy, be in health; be able; be of effect; be worth. Pars, partis (3f): part, share. Fātum, fātī
(2n): fate. Est: it is.
(Quoting Epicurus.)
Male
(adv.): badly. Vīvunt
is the third person plural form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Quī
is the masculine nominative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Semper
(adv.): always. Vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Incipiunt
is the third person plural form of incipiō, incipere, incēpī, inceptum (3, –iō): to begin.
Maleaudit, infamisest. —Seneca, On the Happy Life 13.2
Translation
(Chicago:) It is called names, it is infamous.
More literally: It hears badly (has a bad reputation), it is infamous.
Details
(He’s talking about the school—secta, sectae (1f)—of Epicurus.)
Male
(adv.): badly. Audit
is the third person singular form of audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear; listen (to) (male audīt
is an idiom: to have a bad reputation—from the idea of hearing people talk ill about you). Īnfāmis/
īnfāmis
/īnfāme (3): disreputable, infamous. Est: it is.
Maximē
Maximē (adv. —also maxumē): most; very much; chiefly; especially; certainly, by all means.
They are common property and are emphatically our own.
(Chicago:) They are public property, and especially our property.
More literally: They are public, and especially ours.
Details
(He’s speaking of the true sayings—vōx, vōcis (3f)—of Epicurus, or of true sayings in general.)
Pūblicae
is the feminine nominative plural form of pūblicus/pūblica/pūblicum (1/2): public, belonging to the public or to the state. Sunt: they are. Et
(conj.): and. Maximē
(adv.): most; very much; chiefly; especially; certainly, by all means. Nostrae
is the feminine nominative plural form of noster/nostra/nostrum (1/2): our, ours.
That is how a foolish mind is most clearly demonstrated.
More literally: In this way a foolish mind is especially demonstrated.
Details
(It appears now one way, now another.)
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in this way. Maximē
(adv.): most; very much; chiefly; especially; certainly, by all means. Coarguitur
is the third person singular passive form of coarguō, coarguere, coarguī, coargūtum (3): to refute; prove, demonstrate (something bad). Animus, animī (2m): mind; soul; will, intention. Inprūdēns, inprūdentis (3, adj.): ignorant; imprudent, foolish.
Maximē is sometimes used as a positive reply: sure, of course, certainly, by all means.
“Dicnomen.”
Nomen? Maxume. —Plautus, Phormio 385
Translation
“Tell me the name.” The name? Certainly.
Details
(But then he can’t remember it.)
Dīc
is the singular imperative form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, tell, speak; call; mean, refer to. Nōmen
is the accusative singular form of nōmen, nōminis (3n): name. Maxumē
(adv. —also
maximē): most; very much; chiefly; especially; certainly, by all means.
Minus
Minus (adv. or noun): less; not enough, not very; not. Minus also appears as a comparative adjective: minor/minor/minus (3): smaller, lesser—the comparative form of parvus/parva/parvum (1/2): small, little. See parvus for illustration of that usage. The adverb and noun minus are specialized uses of the neuter singular form of the adjective.
As an adverb (where less means to a lesser degree).
Nemoestminus. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 10.11.3
Translation
No one is less so.
Details
Nēmō, nēminis (3m/f): no one. Est: is. Minus
(adv.): less; not enough, not very; not.
Nihilverominus. —Cicero, In Defense of Fonteius 33
Translation
Nothing could be further from the truth.
More literally: In fact, nothing (is) less (true).
Details
Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only): nothing. Vērō
(particle): truly, indeed, in fact; on the other hand, but, however; and, moreover. Minus
(adv.): less; not enough, not very; not.
It is no smaller, but merely shines with less brilliancy.
More literally: It is not lesser, but shines less.
Details
(He’s talking about virtue—virtūs, virtūtis (3f)—under oppressive conditions.)
Nōn: not. Est: it is. Minor/
minor
/minus (3): smaller, lesser; less important—the comparative form of parvus/parva/parvum (1/2): small, little; unimportant. Sed
(conj.): but. Minus
(adv.): less; not enough, not very; not. Fulget
is the third person singular form of fulgeō, fulgēre, fulsī, — (2): to flash, shine.
He whom you maintain to be “less happy” is not happy.
Details
Ille
/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Quem
is the masculine accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Tū: you. Minus
(adv.): less; not enough, not very; not. Beātum
is the m/n accusative singular form of beātus/beāta/beātum (1/2): happy; prosperous. Vocās
is the second person singular form of vocō, vocāre, vocāvī, vocātum (1): to call; summon. Nōn: not. Est: is. beātus
/beāta/beātum (1/2): happy; prosperous.
Neque/
nec: (as conj.) and not, nor; (as adv.) neither, not either, not even. Minus
(adv.): less; not enough, not very; not. Līber
/lībera/līberum (1/2): free. Sum: I am. Quam
(rel. adv.): than; as. Vōs: you (pl.).
Minusestmirandum. —Cicero, In Defense of Murena 38
Translation
That’s not surprising.
Alt. : It is not to be wondered at.
Details
Minus
(adv.): less; not enough, not very; not. Est: it is. Mīrandus/mīranda/
mīrandum
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be wondered at) of mīror, mīrārī, mīrātus sum (1, deponent): to be surprised, be astonished, wonder, marvel (at); admire.
Sī minus = if not.
Sipotero, revocabo, siminus, nonadiuvaboscelus. —Seneca, On Benefits 2.14.4
Translation
If I can, I will restrain crime, if not, I will not aid it.
Details
Sī
(conj.): if. Poterō
is the first person singular future form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Revocābō
is the first person singular future form of revocō, revocāre, revocāvī, revocātum (1): to call back, recall; restrain. Minus
(adv.): less; not enough, not very; not. Nōn: not. Adiuvābō
is the first person singular future form of adiuvō, adiuvāre, adiūvī, adiūtum (1): to help, assist; favor, sustain. Scelus
is the accusative singular form of scelus, sceleris (3n): crime, wickedness.
As a noun, minus means less in the sense of a lesser thing or amount. It’s neuter and only appears in the singular, mostly nominative or accusative.
QuidsiminusdedissetaratorquampoposcissetApronius? —Cicero, Against Verres 2.3.70
Translation
What if the farmer had paid over less than Apronius demanded?
Details
Quis/quis/
quid
(interrog. pron.): who? what? Sī
(conj.): if. Minus
is the accusative form of minus, minōris (2n): a lesser amount, less. Dedisset
is the third person singular pluperfect subjunctive form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give; assign, attribute. Arātor, arātōris (3m): ploughman, farmer. Quam
(rel. adv.): than; as. Poposcisset
is the third person singular pluperfect subjunctive form of poscō, poscere, poposcī, — (3): to ask for (usually implying insistence or authority), demand, call for. Aprōnius
/Aprōnia/Aprōnium (1/2): Roman family name. (The verbs are pluperfect subjunctive because they describe past contrary-to-fact situations.)
It also sometimes appears in the genitive of value/price, meaning of less value or for a lesser price.
“You might have bought as many bookcases for a smaller sum,” he said.
Details
Minus, minōris
(3n): a lesser amount, less. Inquit
is the third person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say (inquit = he/she says
or
said). Totidem
(numerical adj. , indeclinable): just as many. Scrīnia
is the accusative plural form of scrīnium, scrīniī (2n): case or chest for books or papers. Ēmissēs
is the second person singular pluperfect subjunctive form of emō, emere, ēmī, ēmptum (3): to buy (pluperfect subjunctive because it describes a past contrary-to-fact situation).
To say less of something, the word minus goes with a partitive genitive—even where English would use less as an adjective (without adding of); e. g. , less money = minus pecūniae (lit. , less of money; saying minus pecūnia is incorrect). In this usage, minus is always nominative or accusative (to say less of something in the other cases, you would use an adjective—such as the adjective version of minus: minor/minor/minus (3); e. g. , with less money = minōre pecūniā).
The more strength squalls have, the less time they have.
Alt. : The stronger the squalls, the shorter their duration.
Details
Procellae
is the nominative plural form of procella, procellae (1f): violent wind, squall, storm. Quantō
(rel. adv.): by so much, the. . . (with comparative). Plūs
is the accusative form of plūs, plūris (2n): a larger amount, more (like
minus, it takes a partitive genitive). Habent
is the third person plural form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Vīrium
is the genitive plural form of vīs, vīs (3f, irreg.): energy, force, power, strength; violence (plural forms often translate to the English singular
strength). Tantō
(adv.): by so much, the. . . (with comparative). Quantō. . . tantō = by how much. . . by so much; the (+ comparative: more, less, etc.). . . the (+ comparative: more, less, etc.). Minus
is the accusative form of minus, minōris (2n): a lesser amount, less. Tempus, temporis
(3n): time.
Modo
Modo (adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Not to be confused with the noun from which it is derived: modō— the dative and ablative singular form of modus, modī (2m): measure, limit; manner (the subject of another entry).
Dixiequidemmodo. —Cicero, In Defense of Milo 45
Translation
Actually I just told you.
More literally: Indeed, I just said (that).
Details
Dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Equidem
(particle): for my part; indeed, certainly, truly. #
indeed%
Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently.
Just now I ceased to want to plead; just now I ceased to be able.
Details
(To plead in court—he’s talking about how memory makes everything in the past seem like just now.)
Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Dēsinō, dēsinere, dēsiī
/dēsīvī, dēsitum (3): to end, cease, stop. Volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish. Agō, agere, ēgī, āctum (3): to drive, put in motion; do; act; plead (in court). Dēsinō, dēsinere, dēsiī
/dēsīvī, dēsitum (3): to end, cease, stop. Possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can.
Modo. . . modo can mean at one time. . . at another, sometimes. . . sometimes.
Our soul is at one time a king, at another a tyrant.
(Chicago:) Our mind is sometimes a king, sometimes a tyrant.
Details
Animus, animī (2m): mind, soul; will, intention. Noster
/nostra/nostrum (1/2): our, ours. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently (modo. . . modo = at one time. . . at another). Rēx, rēgis (3m): king. Est: is. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently (modo. . . modo = at one time. . . at another). Tyrannus, tyrannī (2m): tyrant.
“But,” you reply, “I wish to dip first into one book and then into another.”
More literally: You say: “But at one time I want to unroll this book, at another time that one.”
Details
Sed
(conj.): but. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently (modo. . . modo = at one time. . . at another). Inquis
is the second person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say. Hunc
is the masculine accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Librum
is the accusative singular form of liber, librī (2m): book. Ēvolvō, ēvolvere, ēvolvī, ēvolūtum (3): to roll out; unroll (e. g. , a scroll in order to read it). Volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want. (adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently (modo. . . modo = at one time. . . at another). Illum
is the masculine accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that.
Modo can be used with a subjunctive verb to convey the idea only provided that, at least if, as long as.
Sedferamutpotero, sitmodoannuum. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 5.15.1
Translation
But I’ll stick it out as best I can so long as it’s only a year.
More literally: But I’ll bear (it) as I can, only let it be only (provided that it’s) a year long.
Details
Sed
(conj.): but. Feram
is the first person singular future form of ferō, ferre, tulī, lātum (3, irreg.): to carry, take, bring, bear; endure; bring forth, produce. Ut
(rel. adv.): as. Poterō
is the first person singular future form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. %
Sit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently (modo
+ subjunctive = (only) provided that. Annuus/annua/
annuum
(1/2): yearly, annual; a year long, lasting a year.
Modoliceatvivere, estspes. —Terence, The Self-Tormentor 981
Translation
Where there’s life, there’s hope.
More literally: Provided that living is permitted, there is hope.
Details
Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently (modo
+ subjunctive = (only) provided that). Liceat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of licet, licēre, licuit/licitum est (2, impersonal): it is allowed, it is permitted. Vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Est: there is. Spēs, speī (5f): hope; expectation.
If the modo clause is negative (provided that. . . not) it’s negated by nē.
Tertiaaderit, modonePubliliusrogatus sit. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 16.22.1
Translation
Tertia will be there, provided that Publilius was not invited.
Details
Tertia, Tertiae (1f). Aderit
is the third person singular future form of adsum, adesse, adfuī, adfutūrus (irreg.): to be present. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Nē
(adv.): not (modo nē
+ subjunctive = if only not; provided that not). Pūblilius
/Pūblilia/Pūblilium (1/2): Roman family name. Rogātus sit
is the third person masculine singular perfect passive subjunctive form of rogō, rogāre, rogāvī, rogātum (1): to ask, request; ask (someone to come to dinner or the like); i.e., invite.
Modo is sometimes used in a similar sense without introducing a clause of its own:
Etcuideessehocpotestullammodovirtutemhabenti? —Seneca, Consolation to Helvia 10.1
Translation
And who can fail to have this little if he possesses any merit whatsoever?
More literally: And for whom can this be lacking, only having (i.e., provided that he has, at least if he has) any virtue?
Details
(After saying that it takes little wealth to simply support your life.)
Et
(conj.): and. Cui
is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? (to/for whom?) Dēsum, dēesse
/dēsse, dēfuī, dēfutūrus (irreg.): to be lacking, be missing. Hic/haec/
hoc
(pron.): this; he, she, it. Potest
is the third person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Ūllam
is the feminine accusative singular form of ūllus/ūlla/ūllum (1/2, irreg.): any. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Virtūtem
is the accusative singular form of virtūs, virtūtis (3f): virtue, merit; courage. Habentī
is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of habēns, habentis (3), the present active participle (having) of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have.
Modo is often combined with the conjunction dum. The result can be written as one or two words: dum modo or dummodo. The meaning is provided that, as long as, and the verb that follows goes in the subjunctive.
Dummodomoratarecteveniat, dotataestsatis. —Plautus, The Pot of Gold 239
Translation
As long as she comes with the right sort of character, she has dowry enough.
More literally: As long as she would come rightly mannered, she is dowered enough.
Details
Dum
(conj.): while, as; until; as long as, provided that (sometimes takes the subjunctive; always so in the last sense). Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Mōrātus/
mōrāta
/mōrātum (1/2): mannered, of (good, bad, etc. , specified by an adverb) morals. Rēctē
(adv.): rightly. Veniat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come. Dōtātus/
dōtāta
/dōtātum (1/2) is the perfect passive participle (dowered) of dōtō, dōtāre, dōtāvī, dōtātum (1): to provide with a dowry, dower, endow. Est: she is. Satis
(adv.): enough.
Nonestturpenonconsequi, dummodosequaris. —Seneca, On Benefits 5.5.3
Translation
It is no disgrace to fail to attain so long as you keep striving.
Details
Nōn: not. Est: it is. Turpis/turpis/
turpe
(3): ugly, shameful, disgraceful, foul. Cōnsequor, cōnsequī, cōnsecūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow; catch up with; attain. Dummodo
(conj.): provided that, as long as (with subjunctive). Sequāris
is the second person singular subjunctive form of sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow; pursue; strive after.
Similarly, sī modo = if only, provided that or if indeed. The verb here is often indicative (unless the context requires otherwise).
You can send it away at small cost, provided that you only give it what you owe, not what you can.
Details
(He’s talking about hunger, and comparing the stomach—venter, ventris (3m)—to a creditor demanding his due.)
Parvō
is the m/n ablative singular form of parvus/parva/parvum (1/2): small, little; unimportant (neuter used substantively as an ablative of price). Dīmittitur
is the third person singular passive form of dīmittō, dīmittere, dīmīsī, dīmissum (3): to let go; release; send away. Sī
(conj.): if. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Dās
is the second person singular form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give; assign, attribute. Illī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Quod
is the neuter accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Dēbēs
is the second person singular form of dēbeō, dēbēre, dēbuī, dēbitum (2): to owe; ought, must, should; be bound. Nōn: not. Potes
is the second person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can.
A form of quī/quae/quod followed by modo can mean provided that he/she/it/they, who at least. The verb that follows can be subjunctive or indicative.
Neminemdedignaturquimododignumseillaiudicat. —Seneca, Consolation to Polybius 17.2
Translation
She deems no man unworthy if only he deems himself worthy of her.
Details
(He’s talking about virtue.)
Nēminem
is the accusative form of nēmō, nēminis (3m): no one. Dēdignātur
is the third person singular form of dēdignor, dēdignārī, dēdignātus sum (1, deponent): to reject as unworthy, disdain, scorn, spurn. Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Dignum
is the m/n accusative singular form of dignus/digna/dignum (1/2): worthy (the thing one is worthy of often goes in the ablative). Sē: himself—the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Illā
is the feminine ablative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Iūdicat
is the third person singular form of iūdicō, iūdicāre, iūdicāvī, iūdicātum (1): to judge.
Compare the following, where modo appears after quī but has its other meaning just now.
Quimodopatronus, nunccupitessecliens. —Ovid, The Art of Love 1.88
Translation
He who (was) just now an advocate now wants to be the client.
Details
Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Modo
(adv.): only, just; just now, a moment ago, recently. Patrōnus, patrōnī (2m): protector, defender, patron; advocate, defender in court. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Cupit
is the third person singular form of cupiō, cupere, cupīvī/cupiī, cupītum (3, –iō): to desire, wish for, want. Esse: to be. Cliēns, clientis (3m/f): client.
Mox
Mox (adv.): soon; in the (near) future; afterward, (shortly) after the time in question; next or later in a series.
Moxsciemusmeliusvate. —Erasmus, Adagia (1536)
Translation
Soon we will know better than the prophet.
Details
Mox
(adv.): soon; in the (near) future; afterward, (shortly) after the time in question; next or later in a series. Sciēmus
is the first person plural future form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. Melius
(adv.): better—the comparative form of bene (adv.): well. Vāte
is the ablative singular form of vātēs, vātis (3m/f): prophet, seer; poet.
Moxbrumarecurritiners. —Horace, Odes 4.7.11-12
Translation
Soon lifeless winter comes hurrying back.
Details
(After a short summer and fall.)
Mox
(adv.): soon; in the (near) future; afterward, (shortly) after the time in question; next or later in a series. Brūma, brūmae (1f): winter solstice; winter. Recurrit
is the third person singular form of recurrō, recurrere, recurrī, recursum (3): to run or hurry back; return; revert; have recourse (to). Iners, inertis (3, adj.): unskilled; lazy; inert, lifeless; inactive; insipid; feeble.
More literally: Will it then be permitted to ask and afterward to answer?
Details
Ergō
(particle): therefore, then. Cōnsulō, cōnsulere, cōnsuluī, cōnsultum (3): to consult, ask one’s opinion; give thought to. Et
(conj.): and. Mox
(adv.): soon; in the (near) future; afterward, (shortly) after the time in question; next or later in a series. Respondeō, respondēre, respondī, respōnsum (2): to respond, reply, answer. Licēbit
is the third person singular future form of licet, licēre, licuit/licitum est (2): it is allowed; one is permitted, one can, one may (impersonal; appears mostly in the third person singular).
Multum
Multum (adv.): much, very much, a lot, greatly; multum, multī (2n): a large amount, much, a lot. The adverb and noun are specialized uses of the neuter singular form of the adjective multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many—which has its own entry.
As an adverb.
Multumtacebat. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 7.7.4
Translation
He kept very quiet.
Details
Multum
(adv.): much, very much, a lot, greatly. Tacēbat
is the third person singular imperfect form of taceō, tacēre, tacuī, tacitum (2): to be silent.
Aquibusmultumdissentio. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 3.11.16
Translation
I disagree strongly with them.
More literal: From whom I dissent greatly.
Details
Ab/
ā
(prep.): from (takes ablative). Quibus
is the m/f/n (here m) ablative plural form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Multum
(adv.): much, very much, a lot, greatly. Dissentiō, dissentīre, dissēnsī, dissēnsum (4): to dissent, disagree.
Nonillemultumnavigavit, sedmultumiactatus est. —Seneca, On the Shortness of Life 7.10
Translation
Not much voyaging did he have, but much tossing about.
More literally: He didn’t sail much, but was much tossed about.
Details
(Talking about someone who lived a long time but without wisdom; it’s like a sailor who got stuck in a storm.)
Nōn: not. Ille
/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Multum
(adv.): much, very much, a lot, greatly. Nāvigāvit
is the third person singular perfect form of nāvigō, nāvigāre, nāvigāvī, nāvigātum (1): to sail. Sed
(conj.): but. Multum
(adv.): much, very much, a lot, greatly. Iactātus est
is the third person masculine singular perfect passive form of iactō, iactāre, iactāvī, iactātum (1): to throw, toss, toss about; boast about, show off.
As a noun, multum, multī occurs only in the singular. It means much in the sense of a large amount.
Multumatehominesexigunt, multumexpectant. —Seneca, Consolation to Polybius 6.3
Translation
Men demand much from you, expect much.
Details
Multum
is the accusative form of multum, multī (2n): a large amount, much, a lot. Ab/
ā
(prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Tē
is the ablative form of tū: you. Hominēs
is the nominative plural form of homō, hominis (3m): man, human. Exigunt
is the third person plural form of exigō, exigere, exēgī, exāctum (3): to drive out; demand, require, exact; inquire into, examine. Expectant
is the third person plural form of expectō, expectāre, expectāvī, expectātum (1—also
exspectō): to wait (for), await; expect; look forward to.
To say a lot of something, the noun multum goes with a partitive genitive. A lot of water (or much water) = multum aquae. Multum aqua is incorrect, though you might say multa aqua with the adjective multus/multa/multum —i.e., still to mean much water, or less literally a lot of water.) The pattern with the genitive occurs mostly when multum is nominative or accusative. In the other cases, the adjective (multus/multa/multum) tends to be used instead. So if you wanted to say with a lot of water or with much water, that’s ablative and would call for the adjective: multā aquā(multō aquae is also possible but unusual).
Multumtemporisultioabsumit. —Seneca, On Anger 3.27.1
Translation
Vengeance consumes much (of) time.
Details
Multum
is the accusative form of multum, multī (2n): a large amount, much, a lot. Tempus, temporis
(3n): time. Ultiō, ultiōnis (3f): revenge, vengeance. Absūmit
is the third person singular form of absūmō, absūmere, absūmpsī, absūmptum (3): to consume; destroy, kill.
The ablative form multō is often used as an ablative of degree of difference (meaning literally by much; simply much often works as a translation). It’s typically used with comparatives or other words that imply a comparison (e. g. , multō maior = much bigger; multō ante = much earlier, long before). In this usage, multō is often classified as its own adverb.
Citiusmultofrangetisdentesquaminprimetis. —Seneca, On the Happy Life 20.6
Translation
You will break your teeth long before they leave a mark!
More literally: You will break your teeth much more quickly than you will drive (them) in.
Details
(Biting the good.)
Citius: more quickly—the comparative form of cito (adv.): quickly. Multō
(adv.): much, by much. Frangētis
is the second person plural future form of frangō, frangere, frēgī, frāctum (3): to break. Dentēs
is the accusative plural form of dēns, dentis (3m): tooth. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than. Inprimētis
is the second person plural future form of inprimō, inprimere, inpressī, inpressum (3—also
imprimō): to press into, thrust in, drive in; imprint, mark.
Nihilōminus
Nihilōminus (adv.): nevertheless (sometimes written as two words: nihilō minus). Literally less by nothing: minus (adv.): less + nihilō, the ablative singular form of nihilum, nihilī (2n): nothing (used mostly in a few expressions; otherwise the more common word for nothing is nihil).
Nevertheless precepts have their (own) proper role.
Details
Nihilōminus
(adv.): nevertheless. Habent
is the third person plural form of habeō habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Praecepta
is the nominative plural form of praeceptum, praeceptī (2n): a piece of advice or teaching, precept; instruction, order. Partēs
is the accusative plural form of pars, partis (3f): part, share; (often in pl.) role. Suās: their (own)—the feminine accusative plural form of suus/sua/suum (1/2).
It shines for himself no less, when he has kindled it for the other.
Details
(If you help someone else by lighting their torch, you also increase the light for yourself.)
Nihilō minus
(adv.): nevertheless, none the less (sometimes written as one words: nihilōminus). Ipsī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (pron.): (he) himself, (she) herself, (it) itself; that very person or thing. Lūcet
is the third person singular form of lūceō, lūcēre, lūxī, — (2): to shine. Cum
(conj.): when; since; while; although. Illī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Accenderit
is the third person singular perfect subjunctive form of accendō, accendere, accendī, accēnsum (3): to kindle, inflame (subjunctive because it’s in a concessive
cum
clause).
Nimis
Nimis (adv. and noun): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly; an excessive thing or amount.
As an adverb (where too much means excessively).
Nilnimis. —Seneca, Epistles 94.4 3
Translation
Nothing in excess.
More literally: Nothing excessively.
Details
(He’s giving examples of useful maxims.)
Nil
(shortened form of
nihil; n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only): nothing. Nimis
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly.
Illiusnimismollisanimus, huiusnimisdurusest. —Seneca, On Anger 2.17.2
Translation
The one is too mild in spirit, the other too harsh.
More literally: The spirit of that one is too soft, of this one too hard.
Details
(Of a person prone to pity, and another prone to cruelty.)
Illīus: of that one, of that man, his—the m/f/n (here m) genitive singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Nimis
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Mollis
/mollis/molle (3): soft, mild, gentle. Animus, animī (2m): mind, soul, spirit. Huius
is the m/f/n (here m) genitive singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Dūrus
/dūra/dūrum (1/2): hard, rough, harsh. Est: is.
Nimismagnamadvocationemdedi. —Seneca, Consolation to Marcia 10.4
Translation
I have offered too long a respite!
Details
(After saying the rest of the day hasn’t been promised to you; in fact that’s true even of the next hour.)
Nimis
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Magnam
is the feminine accusative singular form of magnus/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large. Advocātiōnem
is the accusative singular form of advocātiō, advocātiōnis (3f): legal assistance; delay, adjournment; respite. . Do, dāre, dedi, datum (1): to give, offer
Quinimiscupitsolvere, invitusdebet. —Seneca, On Benefits 4.40.5
Translation
He who is too eager to pay his debt is unwilling to be indebted.
More literally: He who desires too much to pay, owes unwilling.
Details
Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Nimis
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Cupit
is the third person singular form of cupiō, cupere, cupīvī/cupiī, cupītum (3, –iō): to desire, wish for, want. Solvō, solvere, solvī, solūtum (3): to loosen, untie, free, release; set sail; pay; discharge, fulfill, perform. Invītus
/invīta/invītum (1/2): unwilling. Dēbet
is the third person singular form of debeo, debēre, debui, debitum (2): to owe.
The sense is sometimes a little weakened—meaning a very great deal, very much, etc. , rather than really too much.
Nimisvellemhabereperticam. —Plautus, The Comedy of Asses 589
Translation
I’d really love to have a pole.
Details
(To beat these donkeys.)
Nimis
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Vellem
is the first person singular imperfect subjunctive form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish; be willing (it goes in the imperfect subjunctive to express a wish for a contrary-to-fact thing: I wish this were the case right now (or had been the case), but it’s not). Habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Perticam
is the accusative singular form of pertica, perticae (1f): pole, long staff.
As a noun (where too much means an excessive thing or amount). It’s neuter and occurs only as nominative or accusative singular.
Fortūna, fortūnae (1f): fortune, luck; fate. Multīs
is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many. Dat
is the third person singular form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give. Nimis
(n. , indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): an excessive thing or amount, too much. Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): a sufficient thing or amount, enough. Nūllī
is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of nūllus/nūlla/nūllum (1/2, irreg.): no, none, not any.
Nimis sometimes goes with a partitive genitive to mean too much of something. The partitive genitive is used even if you don’t necessarily say of in English; e. g. , too much water is nimis aquae (not nimis aqua).
Haeclocalucishabentnimis. —Ovid, Fasti 6.115
Translation
In this place there is too much light.
More literally: These places have too much of light.
Details
Haec
is the neuter nominative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Loca
is the nominative plural form of locus, locī (2m, but often neuter in the plural): place; topic, point. Lūx, lūcis
(3f): light. Habent
is the third person plural form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Nimis
(n. , indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): an excessive thing or amount, too much.
Nimium (next entry) is somewhat more common as a noun than nimis is.
Nimium
Nimium (adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly; nimium, nimiī (2n): an excessive thing or amount, too much; a large amount, a great deal. The adverb and noun are specialized uses of the neuter singular form of the adjective nimius/nimia/nimium (1/2): excessive, too much; very great.
More literally: To break the cord by stretching too much.
Details
Fūnem
is the accusative singular form of fūnis, fūnis (3m): rope, line, cord. Abrumpō, abrumpere, abrūpī, abruptum (3): to break or cut off, sever; cut short. Nimium
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Tendendō
is the ablative gerund ((by) stretching) of tendō, tendere, tetendī, tentum/tēnsum (3): to stretch, strain; aim.
Nimiumfunerenostroexultat. —Seneca the Elder, Controversiae 10.1.6
Translation
He exults excessively in our bereavement.
Details
Nimium
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Fūnere
is the ablative singular form of fūnus, fūneris (3n): funeral; death; ruin. Nostrō
is the m/n ablative singular form of noster/nostra/nostrum (1/2): our, ours (here
fūnere nostrō
means loosely
the death that affects us
—hence
our bereavement
—rather than literally
our death). Exultat
is the third person singular form of exultō, exultāre, exultāvī, exultātum (1—also
exsultō): to jump up; exult in, rejoice; revel.
Nimiumdiutecohortor. —Seneca, Epistles 13.15
Translation
I am exhorting you far too long.
Details
Nimium
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Diū
(adv.): long, for a long time. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Cohortor, cohortārī, cohortātus sum (1, deponent): to exhort, encourage.
Nimiumesvehemensferoxquenatura. —Cicero, Against Vatinius 4
Translation
In disposition you are too violent and arrogant.
Details
Nimium
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Es: you are. Vehemēns, vehementis (3): very eager, violent, furious, impetuous, ardent, vehement. Ferōxque, ferōcis (3, adj.): wild, fierce; defiant; arrogant (the enclitinc conjunction –
que
adds
and). Nātūrā
is the ablative singular form of nātūra, nātūrae (1f): nature; disposition.
The sense is sometimes a little weakened—meaning very much, extremely, etc. , rather than really too much.
She’s given birth to an absolutely delightful boy.
Details
Peperit
is the third person singular perfect form of pariō, parere, peperī, partum (3): to give birth to; beget; get, acquire. Puerum
is the accusative singular form of puer, puerī (2m): boy; child. Nimium
(adv.): too (much), excessively; very (much), extremely, exceedingly. Lepidum
is the m/n accusative singular form of lepidus/lepida/lepidum (1/2): pleasant, agreeable, charming, delightful.
As a noun (where too much means an excessive thing or amount). Nimium in this usage is always singular, and most often nominative or accusative.
Nimiumoptas. —Plautus, The Braggart Soldier 1039
Translation
You wish for too much.
Details
Nimium
is the accusative form of nimium, nimiī (2n): an excessive thing or amount, too much; a large amount, a great deal. Optās
is the second person singular form of optō, optāre, optāvī, optātum (1): to choose; wish for; pray for.
Nonpotest, nimiumpetis. —Plautus, Truculentus 752
Translation
It’s impossible, you demand too much.
Details
Nōn: not. Potest
is the third person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can; (impersonally) it can be done, it is possible. Nimium
is the accusative form of nimium, nimiī (2n): an excessive thing or amount, too much; a large amount, a great deal. Petis
is the second person singular form of petō, petere, petīvī/petiī, petītum (3): to direct one’s course to, make for; ask (for); seek; attack.
The noun nimium, especially in the nominative and accusative cases, can go with a partitive genitive to mean too much of something. Thus too much (of) water = nimium aquae. The genitive is used even if the word of isn’t necessary in English. (The phrase nimium aqua is incorrect, though you could say nimia aqua with the adjective nimius/nimia/nimium.) To express the idea of too much of something in cases other than the nominative and accusative, the adjective nimius/nimia/nimium tends to be used instead of the noun nimium. (That adjective then naturally agrees with its noun in the regular way; e. g. , with too much water (ablative) = nimiā aquā.)
Too much effort is wasted on this topic by the Stoics.
Details
Hōc
is the m/n ablative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Locō
is the ablative singular form of locus, locī (2m): place; topic, point. Nimium, nimiī (2n): an excessive thing or amount, too much; a large amount, a great deal. Opera, operae
(1f): work, effort. Cōnsūmitur
is the third person singular passive form of cōnsūmō, cōnsūmere, cōnsūmpsī, cōnsūmptum (3): to destroy; kill; consume; spend; exhaust; waste. Ab/
ā
(prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Stōicīs
is the m/f/n (here m) ablative plural form of stōicus/stōica/stōicum (1/2): Stoic.
More literally: There is much of the good for whom there is nothing of the bad.
Details
Nimium, nimiī (2n): an excessive thing or amount, too much; a large amount, a great deal. Bonum, bonī
(2n): a good thing or that which is good, a good or the good. Est: there is. Cui
is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what (for whom). Nihil
(n, indeclinable, singular only, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing. Malum, malī
(2n): evil, the bad, a bad thing or that which is bad.
An example of the adjective nimius/nimia/nimium (1/2): too much, excessive; very great.
Facitquidemavidosnimiafelicitas. —Seneca, On Mercy 1. 1. 7
Translation
Too much prosperity, it is true, makes men greedy.
Details
Facit
is the third person singular form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Quidem
(particle): at any rate; indeed, it is true. Avidōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of avidus/avida/avidum (1/2): greedy; eager. Nimius/
nimia
/nimium (1/2): excessive, too much; very great. Fēlīcitās, fēlīcitātis (3f): happiness, success, prosperity.
Nōn
Nōn (adv.): not. Nōn is the general word for not, used in all sorts of contexts except those where nē is required (such as negative commands, negative purpose clauses, etc. ; see nē). Nōn usually comes directly before the verb except when the negation bears more specifically on another part of the sentence; e. g. , nōn omnēs hoc faciunt = not all do this, not everyone does this: here the negated word is omnēs. (Other exceptions exist, too; for example, it sometimes happens that nōn comes first in a clause, whatever the next word is, when the whole clause is being emphatically negated.)
Nonestsatis. —Cicero, On the Agrarian Law 2.47
Translation
That is not enough.
Details
Nōn
(adv.): not. Est: it is. Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): enough.
Molestusnonerit. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 15.22.1
Translation
He won’t be a nuisance.
Details
Molestus
/molesta/molestum (1/2): troublesome, annoying. Nōn: not. Erit
is the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Ergomalanonsunt. —Seneca, Epistles 85.30
Translation
(Pain and poverty don’t make a person worse.) Therefore they are not evils.
Details
Ergō
(particle): therefore, then. Mala
is the nominative plural form of malum, malī (2n): a bad thing; evil; misfortune. Nōn: not. Sunt: they are.
Peior
/peior/peius (3): worse—the comparative form of malus/mala/malum (1/2): bad. Magister, magistrī (2m): teacher, tutor, master. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Istaec
is the neuter accusative plural form of istic/istaec/istuc (pron.): that (of yours); he, she, it. Docuit
is the third person singular perfect form of doceō, docēre, docuī, doctum (2): to teach. Nōn: not. Ego: I.
Nonegonuncnugasago. —Plautus, The Pot of Gold 638
Translation
I’m not joking now.
Details
Nōn: not. Ego: I. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Nūgās
is the accusative form of nūgae, nūgārum (1f, plural only): jokes, trifles, nonsense. Agō, agere, ēgī, āctum (3): to drive, put in motion; do; act; make.
One way to answer a question negatively in Latin is to say nōn followed by the verb that was in the question (naturally adjusted for person).
“You aren’t angry any longer, are you?” No, I’m not.
Details
(The question is posed to a female character and answered by her.)
Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Īrātus/
īrāta
/īrātum (1/2): angry—originally the perfect active participle (having become angry) of īrāscor, īrāscī, īrātus sum (3, deponent): to be or become angry. Nōn: not. Es: you are. Sum: I am.
Another common way is to use nōn alone.
“Exheredavitne?”
Non. —Cicero, In Defense of Sextus Roscius Amerinus 54
Translation
Did he disinherit him? “No.”
Details
Exhērēdāvitne
is the third person singular perfect form of exhērēdō, exhērēdāre, exhērēdāvī, exhērēdātum (1): to disinherit (the enclitic interrogative particle –
ne
turns the word into part of a question). Nōn: not.
Nōn is occasionally combined with other words to convey the same idea, as in the phrase nōn ita (literally not so).
Nōndum
Nōndum (adv.): not yet. Nōn+dum (meaning yet in this context).
(Chicago:) But I am not yet in despair about our Marcellinus.
Details
(A wayward friend.)
Mārcellīnum
is the accusative singular form of Mārcellīnus, Mārcellīnī (2m). Nostrum
is the m/n accusative singular form of noster/nostra/nostrum (1/2): our, ours. Ego: I. Nōndum
(adv.): not yet. Dēspērō, dēspērāre, dēspērāvī, dēspērātum (1): to despair (of); have no hope of.
At present I have hope about you, not yet confidence.
Details
Iam
(adv.): already; at present. Dē
(prep.): from, down from; of; about, concerning (takes ablative). Tē
is the ablative form of tū: you. Spem
is the accusative singular form of spēs, speī (5f): hope; expectation. Habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have, hold. Nōndum
(adv.): not yet. Fīdūciam
is the accusative singular form of fīdūcia, fīdūciae (1f): confidence, trust, reliance.
Numquam
Numquam (or nunquam) (adv.): never.
Veritasnumquamperit. —Seneca, Trojan Women 614
Translation
The Truth is never lost.
Details
Vēritās, vēritātis (3f): truth. Numquam
(adv.): never. Perit
is the third person singular form of pereō, perīre, periī, peritum (irreg.): to be lost, vanish, disappear; be destroyed, perish, die.
Numquamerittempus. —Seneca, Epistles 19.6
Translation
That time will never come.
More literally: The time will never be.
Details
(After asking: Why wait until there is nothing left for you to crave?)
Numquam
(adv.): never. Erit
is the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Tempus, temporis (3n): time.
Numquammagnaimperiaotiosa. —Seneca the Elder, Suasoriae 5.5
Translation
Great empires are never at peace.
Details
Numquam
(adv.): never. Magna
is the neuter nominative plural form of magnus/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large; important. Imperia
is the nominative plural form of imperium, imperiī (2n): power, dominion; command, order; empire. Ōtiōsa
is the neuter nominative plural form of ōtiōsus/ōtiōsa/ōtiōsum (1/2): idle, at leisure; quiet, tranquil, at peace.
Nunc
Nunc (adv.): now, at this time, at the present moment; as it is now.
Nuncmortiferamecumsunt. —Seneca, Epistles 49.9
Translation
As it is now, death-dealing perils are in my very presence.
More literally: (As it is) now, deadly things are with me.
Details
Nunc
(adv.): now, at this time, at the present moment; as it is now. Mortifera
is the neuter nominative plural form of mortifer/mortifera/mortiferum (1/2): deadly, death-bearing (used substantively to mean
deadly things). Mēcum: with me (mē = me; cum = with). Sunt: (they) are.
Venionuncadultimampartem. —Seneca, On Benefits 5.11.1
Translation
I come now to the last part of the subject.
Details
Veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come. Nunc
(adv.): now, at this time, at the present moment; as it is now. Ad
(prep.): to (takes accusative). Ultimam
is the feminine accusative singular form of ultimus/ultima/ultimum (1/2): last, final; furthest. Partem
is the accusative singular form of pars, partis (3f): part; function.
Nunc. . . nunc can mean at one moment. . . at another.
We complain at one time of our headaches, at another of our bad digestions, at another of our chests and our throats.
Details
Nunc
(adv.): now, at this time, at the present moment; as it is now (nunc. . . nunc = at one time. . . at another). Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Capite
is the ablative singular form of caput, capitis (3n): head. Nunc
(adv.): at another time. Ventre
is the ablative singular form of venter, ventris (3m): belly, stomach; womb; bowels. Nunc
(adv.): at another time. Pectore
is the ablative singular form of pectus, pectoris (3n): chest; heart. Atque/
ac
(conj.): and, and also, and then. Faucibus
is the ablative form of faucēs, faucium (3f, plural only): upper part of the throat; narrow way. Querimur
is the first person plural form of queror, querī, questus sum (3, deponent): to complain; lament.
Ōlim
Ōlim (adv.): once (upon a time), formerly, in the past; a long time ago; now for a long time; in the future, one day; now and then, sometimes.
Once (upon a time), formerly, in the past.
Fuitolimquidamsenexmercator. —Terence, The Woman of Andros 221-2
Translation
Once upon a time there was a certain elderly merchant.
Details
Fuit: there was—the third person singular perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Ōlim
(adv.): once (upon a time), formerly, in the past; a long time ago; now for a long time; in the future, one day; now and then, sometimes. Quīdam
/quaedam/quoddam (adj.): a certain, some, a(n). Senex, senis (3, adj. and noun): old; old man. Mercātor, mercātōris (3m): merchant, trader.
A long time ago.
Turbamolimreliqueras. —Seneca, Epistles 34.1
Translation
You left behind the crowd a long time ago.
Details
Turbam
is the accusative singular form of turba, turbae (1f): crowd. Ōlim
(adv.): once (upon a time), formerly, in the past; a long time ago; now for a long time; in the future, one day; now and then, sometimes. Relīquerās
is the second person singular pluperfect form of relinquō, relinquere, relīquī, relictum (3): to relinquish, abandon, leave behind.
Now for a long time. Often with the present tense (where English would use the present perfect continuous: X has been doing Y):
Olimmisermoriquaeris. —Seneca, On Anger 1.16.3
Translation
Poor wretch! You have long been seeking to die.
More literally: Now for a long time you seek to die, miserable man.
Details
Ōlim
(adv.): once (upon a time), formerly, in the past; a long time ago; now for a long time; in the future, one day; now and then, sometimes. Miser
could be the masculine vocative singular form of miser/misera/miserum (1/2): miserable, pitiful, wretched; or it could be nominative (you, (a) miserable (man). . . or
you, (being) miserable. . .). Morior, morī, mortuus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to die. Quaeris
is the second person singular form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to ask; seek, look for.
They began to snore as if they were asleep for a good while.
More literally: . . . as if (having been) sleeping. . .
Details
(He’s writing about thieves who are trying to avoid capture.) Stertō, stertere, stertuī, — (3): to snore. Tamquam
(conj.): as if. Ōlim
(adv.): once (upon a time), formerly, in the past; a long time ago; now for a long time; in the future, one day; now and then, sometimes. Dormientēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of dormiēns, dormientis (3), the present active participle (sleeping) of dormiō, dormīre, dormīvī/dormiī, dormītum (4): to sleep
Coepērunt
is the third person plural perfect form of coepī, coepisse, coeptum (defective; usually occurs only in the perfect, pluperfect and future perfect tenses): to begin.
In the future, one day.
Non, simalenunc, etolimsicerit. —Horace, Odes 2.10.17-18
Translation
Just because things are bad now doesn’t mean they’ll always be so.
More literally: If (it is) badly now, it won’t also be so in the future.
Details
Nōn: not. Sī
(conj.): if. Male
(adv.): badly. Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Et
(adv.): also, too; even. Ōlim
(adv.): once (upon a time), formerly, in the past; a long time ago; now for a long time; in the future, one day; now and then, sometimes. Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner. Erit: it will be—the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Paene
Paene (adv.): almost, nearly.
Nemopaenesinevitioest. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 9.2.16
Translation
Almost no one is without fault.
Details
Nēmō, nēminis (3m): no one. Paene
(adv.): almost, nearly. Sine
(prep.): without (takes the ablative). Vitiō
is the ablative singular form of vitium, vitiī (2n): vice, fault. Est: is.
Paeneexciditmihi. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Esducation 4.5.4
Translation
I nearly forgot.
More literally: It almost slipped out for me (slipped out of my memory).
Details
Paene
(adv.): almost, nearly. Excidit
is the third person singular perfect form of excidō, excidere, excidī, — (3): to fall out, drop out, slip out; escape; be lost, disappear; escape the memory, be forgotten. Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (for me).
Dixihorispaene
quinque. —Pliny the Younger, Letters 2.11.14
Translation
I spoke for nearly five hours.
Details
Dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, speak. Hōrīs
is the ablative plural form of hōra, hōrae (1f): hour. Paene
(adv.): almost, nearly. Quīnque
(indeclinable): five.
Quampaenepromisi! —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 2.3.6
Translation
How near I came to promising!
More literally: How nearly I promised!
Details
Quam
(interrog. adv.): how (much)? to what degree? Paene
(adv.): almost, nearly. Prōmittō, prōmittere, prōmīsī, prōmissum (3): to send forth; let (the hair or beard) grow long; promise, assure.
Parum
Parum (adv. and noun): (too/very) little, not enough; not very (much), not really, not quite (sometimes virtually equivalent to not).
As an adverb (where not enough means insufficiently).
Illemeparumhumanesalutavit. —Seneca, On Anger 2.24.1
Translation
That man greeted me with too little warmth.
More literally: That man did not greet me kindly enough.
Details
(An example of something not to worry about.)
Ille
/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Mē: me—the accusative form of ego: I. Parum
(adv.): (too/very) little, not enough; not very (much), not really, not quite. Hūmānē
(adv.): kindly; politely. Salūtāvit
is the third person singular perfect form of salūtō, salūtāre, salūtāvī, salūtātum (1): to greet, salute.
Parumcogitatquidscribatautadquem. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 6.3.7
Translation
He thinks too little about what he writes or to whom.
Details
Parum
(adv.): (too/very) little, not enough; not very (much), not really, not quite. Cōgitat
is the third person singular form of cōgitō, cōgitāre, cōgitāvī, cōgitātum (1): to think (of/about), consider, reflect (upon); plan, intend. Quid
is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Scrībat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of scrībō, scrībere, scrīpsī, scrīptum (3): to write (subjunctive because it's in an indirect question). Aut
(conj.): or. Ad
(prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Quem
is the masculine accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what?
ParumBrutusproperarevidetur. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 16.4.4
Translation
Brutus doesn’t seem in much of a hurry.
More literally: Brutus seems to hasten too little.
Details
Parum
(adv.): (too/very) little, not enough; not very (much), not really, not quite. Brūtus, Brūtī (2m): Brutus. Properō, properāre, properāvī, properātum (1): to hasten, hurry. Vidētur
is the third person singular passive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem.
Neptemparumnovi. —Pliny the Younger, Letters 7.24.2
Translation
I know the granddaughter very little.
Details
Neptem
is the accusative singular form of neptis, neptis (3f): granddaughter. Parum
(adv.): (too/very) little, not enough; not very (much), not really, not quite. Nōscō, nōscere, nōvī, nōtum (4): (in present-stem forms) to come to know; recognize; (in perfect-stem forms) know.
As a noun (where not enough means an insufficient thing or amount). It’s neuter and only occurs as nominative or accusative singular.
Laudareparumest. —Ovid, Metamorphoses 6.3
Translation
To praise is not enough.
Details
Laudō, laudāre, laudāvī, laudātum (1): to praise. Parum
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): (too/very) little, not enough. Est: is.
Parum can go with a partitive genitive to express the idea too little/not enough of something. The thing of which the amount is insufficient always goes in the genitive case even if the word of isn’t necessary in English; e. g. , not enough water = parum aquae (not parum aqua).
Fortassis
(adv. , variant of
fortasse): perhaps. Tū: you. Aurum, aurī
(2n): gold. Dēmpsistī
is the second person singular perfect form of dēmō, dēmere, dēmpsī, dēmptum (3): to remove, take away. Parum
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): (too/very) little, not enough.
Posteā
Posteā (adv.): after that, thereafter, afterwards, later; after this, hereafter, in the future.
Posteamarituseiustyrannumoccidit. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 2.5. pr.2
Translation
Later her husband killed the tyrant.
Details
(Beforehand: A woman, under torture, told a tyrant that she knew nothing of a plot to kill him.)
Posteā
(adv.): after that, thereafter, afterwards, later; after this, hereafter, in the future. Marītus, marītī (2m): husband. Eius: is the m/f/n genitive singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Tyrannum
is the accusative singular form of tyrannus, tyrannī (2m): tyrant. Occīdit
is the third person singular perfect form (it can also be the present form) of occīdō, occīdere, occīdī, occīsum (3): to kill, fell, slaughter.
In the future, don’t ask for what you’ll wish you hadn’t got.
More literally: In the future, don’t ask for what you will have wished not to have obtained.
Details
Posteā
(adv.): after that, thereafter, afterwards, later; after this, hereafter, in the future. Nōlī: do not—the singular imperative form of nōlō, nōlle, nōluī, — (irreg.): to not want, be unwilling, refuse, wish not (completed with an infinitive). Rogō, rogāre, rogāvī, rogātum (1): to ask (for), request. Quod
is the neuter accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Inpetrō, inpetrāre, inpetrāvī, inpetrātum (1—also
impetrō): to obtain by asking. Nōlueris
is the second person singular future perfect form of nōlō, nōlle, nōluī, — (irreg.): to not want, be unwilling, refuse, wish not.
Noliposteacongredicumimperitis. —Seneca, On Anger 3.36.4
Translation
After this don’t have encounters with ignorant people.
Details
(Scolding himself for speaking too offensively to someone.)
Nōlī: do not (completed with an infinitive)—the singular imperative form of nōlō, nōlle, nōluī, — (irreg.): to not want, be unwilling, refuse. Posteā
(adv.): after that, thereafter, afterwards, later; after this, hereafter, in the future. Congredior, congredī, congressus sum 3, –ior, deponent): to come together, meet; meet in strife, contend. Cum
(prep.): with (takes the ablative). Imperītīs
is the m/f/n (here m) ablative plural form of imperītus/imperīta/imperītum (1/2): unskilled, ignorant.
Potius
Potius (adv.): rather, instead, preferably.
Dicilludpotius: —Seneca, Consolation to Helvia 9.3
Translation
Say, rather, this:
Details
Dīc
is the singular imperative form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Illud
is the neuter accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it; the former (this
is sometimes a natural, though less literal, translation). Potius
(adv.): rather, instead, preferably.
Rather than is often expressed idiomatically by potius quam.
(He’s talking about how to manage slaves.)
Colant
is the third person plural subjunctive form of colō, colere, coluī, cultum (3): to till, cultivate; honor, respect (a jussive subjunctive). Potius
(adv.): rather, instead, preferably. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Quam
(rel. adv.): than. Timeant
is the third person plural subjunctive form of timeō, timēre, timuī, — (2): to fear (subjunctive because it’s correlated with the subjunctive
colant).
The superlative is potissimum: especially, above all; preferably, before all, in preference to all others or all else.
Quidergopotissimumscribam? —Cicero, Letters to Friends 9.3.1
Translation
So what should I write?
More literally: So what should I write especially?
Details
Quid
is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Ergō
(particle): therefore, then. Potissimum
(adv.): especially, above all; preferably, before all, in preference to all others or all else. Scrībam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of scrībō, scrībere, scrīpsī, scrīptum (3): to write (subjunctive in a deliberative question).
Compare potior/potior/potius (3): better, preferable; more powerful—the comparative form of potis (indecl.): able; possible. The comparative adjective is the source of the adverb.
Interpotioradivitiaesunt. —Seneca, On the Happy Life 22.4
Translation
Riches are among the more desirable things.
Details
Inter
(prep.): between; among (takes the accusative). Potiōra
is the neuter accusative plural form of potior/potior/potius (3): better, preferable; more powerful. Dīvitiae
is the nominative form of dīvitiae, dīvitiārum (1f, plural only): wealth, riches. Sunt: are.
Compare potior, potīrī, potītus sum (4, deponent): to seize, grasp, obtain, take possession of (takes a genitive or ablative object).
Desertisoppidisconsulpotitur. —Livy, History of Rome 10.34.14
Translation
The consul takes possession of the deserted towns.
Details
Dēsertīs
is is the m/f/n ablative plural form of dēsertus/dēserta/dēsertum (1/2): deserted, uninhabited. Oppidīs
is the ablative plural form of oppidum, oppidī (2n): town. Cōnsul, cōnsulis (3m): consul. Potītur
is the third person singular form of potior, potīrī, potītus sum (4, deponent): to seize, grasp, obtain, take possession of (takes a genitive or ablative object). (Livy is using a verb in the present tense—
potītur
—to describe past action; this is an instance of the historical present.)
Praetereā
Praetereā (adv.): besides that, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides.
Besides, he who follows another discovers nothing.
(Chicago:) Anyway, followers never find anything.
Details
Praetereā
(adv.): besides that, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides. Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Alium
is the masculine accusative singular form of alius/alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another. Sequitur
is the third person singular form of sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow. Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Invenit
is the third person singular form of inveniō, invenīre, invēnī, inventum (4): to find; discover; invent.
Love of money will be Sparta’s undoing, and nothing else.
More literally: Desire of money will capture Sparta, nothing besides that.
Details
Pecūniārum
is the genitive plural form of pecūnia, pecūniae (1f): money. Cupiditās, cupiditātis (3f): desire, longing, craving, lust. Spartam
is the accusative form of Sparta, Spartae (1f): Sparta. Capiet
is the third person singular future form of capiō, capere, cēpī, captum (3, –iō): to seize, capture, take. Praetereā
(adv.): besides that, in addition, moreover, furthermore, besides. Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing.
Prīmum
Prīmum (adv.): first; for the first time (formed from the adjective prīmus/prīma/prīmum (1/2): first). This word is a superlative, implying first of all. Prius, on the other hand, is a comparative, meaning first relatively to another thing, earlier.
Primummemoriamrenovant. —Seneca, Epistles 94.21
Translation
In the first place, they refresh the memory.
Details
(He’s talking about the value of knowing philosophical precepts.)
Prīmum
(adv.): first; for the first time. Memoriam
is the accusative singular form of memoria, memoriae (1f): memory. Renovant
is the third person plural form of renovō, renovāre, renovāvī, renovātum (1): to renew, refresh, restore.
(After recovering from an asthma attack.)
Itaque
(adv.): (and) so, therefore, accordingly. Lēctiōne
is the ablative singular form of lēctiō, lēctiōnis (3f): a reading; reading out loud. Prīmum
(adv.): first; for the first time. Temptō, temptāre, temptāvī, temptātum (1): to test; try. Animum
is the accusative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul, spirit; breath.
First of all, we should have no cravings like theirs.
(Chicago:) First of all, let us not desire the same objects.
More literally: First, let us desire nothing the same.
Details
(As the mob.)
Prīmum
(adv.): first; for the first time. Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Idem
is the neuter accusative singular form of īdem/eadem/idem (adj.): the same. Concupīscāmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of concupīscō, concupīscere, concupīvī/concupiī, concupītum (3): to desire, crave, covet (subjunctive because it’s hortatory).
Nuncprimumoffendit. —Seneca, On Anger 3.24.3
Translation
(Chicago:) This one is a first-time offender.
More literally: Now he gives (or has given) offense for the first time.
Details
(Things to say to help forgive others.)
Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is now. Prīmum
(adv.): first; for the first time. Offendit
is the third person singular form of offendō, offendere, offendī, offēnsum (3): to hit; find, come upon; offend, give offense (it could be present or perfect tense).
Compare prīmō (adv.): at first, originally; first, to begin with; for the first time.
Inbēcillus
/inbēcilla/inbēcillum (1/2—also
imbēcillus): weak. Est: is. Prīmō
(adv.): at first, originally; first, to begin with; for the first time. Omnis
/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Adfectus, adfectūs (4m—also
affectus): emotion, feeling.
Prius
Prius (adv.): first, earlier, previously, beforehand (from the adjective prior/prior/prius (3): situated more in front; earlier, previous, former). This word is a comparative; it means first relatively to another thing. Prīmum, by contrast, is a superlative, implying first of all.
(Chicago:) Therefore there is nothing you need to acquire beforehand.
Alt. : Therefore there is nothing to be acquired beforehand/one does not need to acquire (anything) beforehand (impersonal passive).
Details
(You can get started with philosophy now.)
Nōn: not. Est: there is. Ergō
(particle): then, therefore. Prius
(adv.): first, earlier, previously, beforehand. Adquīrendus/adquīrenda/
adquīrendum
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be acquired) of adquīrō, adquīrere, adquīsīvī/adquīsiī, adquīsītum (3—also
acquīrō): to acquire, obtain.
Properaadme, sedadteprius. —Seneca, Epistles 35.4
Translation
(Chicago:) Hurry, then, to me, but first, hurry to yourself.
Details
Properā
is the singular imperative form of properō, properāre, properāvī, properātum (1): to hasten, hurry. Ad
(prep.): to (takes accusative). Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Sed
(conj.): but. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. #
you%
Prius
(adv.): first, earlier, previously, beforehand.
Procul
Procul (adv.): far away; from afar; in the distance; at or from a distance. The sense can be literal or figurative. Far away from X can be expressed with procul+ ab/ā + ablative or with procul and the ablative alone.
Abequinispedibusproculrecede. —proverb
Translation
Keep far away from the hooves of the horses.
Details
(Avoid danger.)
Ab
/ā (prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Equīnīs
is the m/f/n ablative plural form of equīnus/equīna/equīnum (1/2): belonging or relating to a horse or horses, equine. Pedibus
is the ablative plural form of pēs, pedis (3m): foot. Procul
(adv.): far away; from afar; in the distance; at or from a distance. Recēde
is the singular imperative form of recēdō, recēdere, recessī, recessum (3): to recede, retreat, withdraw.
Vir, virī
(2m): man; husband. Īnfortūnātī
is the m/n genitive singular form of īnfortūnātus/īnfortūnāta/īnfortūnātum (1/2): unfortunate. Procul
(adv.): far away; from afar; in the distance; at or from a distance. Amīcī
is the nominative plural form of amīcus, amīcī (2m): friend. (The verb
sunt
is implied.)
Iteprocul, iuvenes. —Martial, Epigrams 14.47.1
Translation
Go away, young fellows.
Details
Īte
is the plural imperative form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go, advance, proceed. Procul
(adv.): far away; from afar; in the distance; at or from a distance. Iuvenēs
is the vocative plural form of iuvenis, iuvenis (3m/f): young person (sometimes female but more often male).
And yet, far off as it is, you already look upon it in wonder.
More literally: And yet you already marvel at that from afar.
Details
(The light that you fully see only when you’re dead.)
Et
(conj.): and. Tamen
(adv.): nevertheless, yet, still. Admīrāris
is the second person singular form of admīror, admīrārī, admīrātus sum (1, deponent): to be surprised, be astonished, wonder, marvel (at); admire. Illam
is the feminine accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Procul
(adv.): far away; from afar; in the distance; at or from a distance.
Iamquehaudprocul
seditione
reserat. —Livy, History of Rome 6.16.6
Translation
By this time the feeling was grown well-nigh seditious.
More literally: And now the matter was not far away from sedition.
Details
Iamque
(adv.): already; now; soon (the enclitic conjunction –
que
adds
and). Haud
(adv.): not; not at all, by no means. Procul
(adv.): far away; from afar; in the distance; at or from a distance. #far away#
Sēditiōne
is the ablative singular form of sēditiō, sēditiōnis (3f): political dissension, insurrection, sedition, mutiny; strife. Rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. Erat
is the third person singular imperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Prope
Prope (adv. and prep.): near, nearby, close by; nearly, almost. It can refer to proximity in space or time, or to more figurative kinds of closeness (in degree, quality, etc.). To express the idea close to, the adverb prope can go with the dative (e. g. , he standsclose to the elephant = prope elephantō stat); with ab/ā + ablative (prope ab elephantō stat); or with ad + accusative, especially when motion is involved (he came close to the elephant = prope ad elephantum accessit). Prope is also used as a preposition with the accusative (prope elephantum).
As an adverb.
Quisloquiturprope? —Plautus, Bacchides 773
Translation
Who’s talking close by?
Details
Quis
/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Loquitur
is the third person singular form of loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, talk. Prope
(adv.): near, nearby, close by; nearly, almost.
Ubiquetampropeest. —Seneca, Epistles 49.11
Translation
Everywhere it is so near.
Details
(Talking about death, and saying it only
seems
to be closer at some times than at others.)
Ubīque
(adv.): everywhere. Tam
(adv.): so, so much, as, as much, equally. Prope
(adv.): near, nearby, close by; nearly, almost. Est: it is.
Inconspectupropetotiusurbisdomusestmea. —Cicero, On His House 100
Translation
My house is nearly in view of the whole city.
Details
In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Cōnspectū
is the ablative singular form of cōnspectus, cōnspectūs (4m): sight, view. Prope
(adv.): near, nearby, close by; nearly, almost. Tōtīus
is the m/f/n genitive singular form of tōtus/tōta/tōtum (1/2, irreg.): whole, entire, all. Urbs, urbis
(3f): city. Domus, domūs (2/4f): house. Est: is. Meus/
mea
/meum (1/2): my, mine.
The comparative form is propius.
Nonsuntminae, iampropiusaccessitmalum. —Seneca, Phoenician Women 323
Translation
These are not threats, the evil has already come closer.
Details
Nōn: not. Sunt: they are. Minae, minārum (1f, plural only): threats. Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Propius
(adv.): nearer, closer—the comparative form of prope (adv.): near, nearby, close by; nearly, almost. Accessit
is the third person singular perfect form of accēdō, accēdere, accessī, accessum (3): to come to, advance, approach, reach; be added, join; agree. Malum, malī (2n): evil; trouble, misfortune; misdeed; disease.
Proximē, though from a slightly different formation, functions as the superlative.
Antiquitasproximeacceditaddeos. —Cicero, On Laws 2.27
Translation
The ancients approach nearest to the gods.
Details
Antīquitās, antīquitātis (3f): oldness; ancient times, antiquity; men of former times, the ancients. Proximē
(adv.): very near/nearest, very close/closest; last, very/most recently; next. Accēdit
is the third person singular form of accēdō, accēdere, accessī, accessum (3): to come to, approach; be added, join; agree. Ad
(prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Deōs
is the accusative plural form of deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god, deity.
When proximē means nearest in time, it can refer to the past (last, most recently) or the future (next).
Proximescripsideoptimogeneredicendi. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 12.17.2
Translation
My latest work is a treatise on the best style of oratory.
More literally: I have been writing most recently about the best kind of speaking.
Details
Proximē
(adv.): very near/nearest, very close/closest; last, very/most recently; next. Scrībō, scrībere, scrīpsī, scrīptum (3): to write. Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Optimō
is the m/n ablative singular form of optimus/optima/optimum (1/2): very good/best—the superlative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Genere
is the ablative singular form of genus, generis (3n): kind, type; race, birth, descent. Dīcendī
is the genitive gerund (of speaking) of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, speak.
Idproximequaeritur. —Cicero, On the Orator 2.236
Translation
This is our next problem.
More literally: This is investigated next.
Details
Is/ea/
id
(pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Proximē
(adv.): very near/nearest, very close/closest; last, very/most recently; next. Quaeritur
is the third person singular passive form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to seek; ask; desire; investigate.
Prope as a preposition (with accusative): near.
Ubiubiest, propemeest. —Plautus, The Weevil 98
Translation
Wherever he is, he’s near me.
Details
Ubiubi
(conj. —also
ubi ubi): wherever. Est: he is. Prope
(prep.): near (takes accusative). Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Est: he is.
Propeoppidumcastraponit. —Caesar, The Civil War 2.26.2
Translation
He made camp near the city.
Details
Prope
(prep.): near (takes accusative). Oppidum
is the accusative singular form of oppidum, oppidī (2n): town. Castra
is the accusative plural form of castrum, castrī (2n): fortified place; (in the plural only) camp. Pōnit
is the third person singular form of pōnō, pōnere, posuī, positum (3): to place, put, set up.
Propius can also be used as a preposition (still with the accusative).
Castraipsapropiushostemmovit. —Livy, History of Rome 22.24.5
Translation
He moved the camp itself closer to the enemy.
Details
Castra
is the accusative plural form of castrum, castrī (2n): fortified place; (in the plural only) camp. Ipsa
is the neuter accusative plural form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself, etc. ; in person; the very. Propius
(prep.): nearer, closer to (takes accusative). Hostem
is the accusative singular form of hostis, hostis (3m/f): enemy. Mōvit
is the third person singular perfect form of moveō, movēre, mōvī, mōtum (2): to move, stir; disturb.
So can proximē, although this is less common.
Resproximeformamlatrociniivenerat. —Livy, History of Rome 2.48.5
Translation
The affair had come very near to a form of brigandage.
Details
Rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. Proximē
(prep.): very near/nearest, very close/closest to (takes accusative). Fōrmam
is the accusative singular form of fōrma, fōrmae (1f): form, shape, appearance; sort, kind. Latrōcinium, latrōciniī
(2n): robbery with violence, banditry, brigandage. Vēnerat
is the third person singular pluperfect form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come.
Prōtinus
Prōtinus (adv.): forward, straight on; immediately, forthwith; right from the start; necessarily.
HostesprotinusexeolocoadflumenAxonamcontenderunt. —Caesar, The Gallic War 2.9.3
Translation
The enemy pressed on directly from that position to the river Aisne.
Details
Hostēs
is the nominative plural form of hostis, hostis (3m/f): enemy. Prōtinus
(adv.): forward, straight on, directly; immediately, forthwith; right from the start; necessarily. Ex
/ē (prep.): from, out of (takes ablative). Eō
is the m/n ablative singular form of is/ea/id (adj.): this, that. Locō
is the ablative singular form of locus, locī (2m): place, position. Ad
(prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Flūmen
is the accusative singular form of flūmen, flūminis (3n): river. Axonam
is the accusative singular form of Axona, Axonae (1m): the Aisne, a river in Gaul. Contendērunt
is the third person plural perfect form of contendō, contendere, contendī, contentum (3): to stretch; strain or strive; press forward, strive to get to a place.
Protinusvive! —Seneca, On the Shortness of Life 9.1
Translation
Live straightaway!
(Chicago:) Live right now.
Details
(Instead of agonizing about the future.)
Prōtinus
(adv.): forward, straight on; immediately, forthwith; right from the start; necessarily. Vīve
is the singular imperative form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
Just as soon as it is curing us it begins to give pleasure.
More literally: For it immediately pleases while it cures.
Details
(On philosophy.)
Prōtinus
(adv.): forward, straight on; immediately, forthwith; right from the start; necessarily. Enim
(particle): for, indeed. Dēlectat
is the third person singular form of dēlectō, dēlectāre, dēlectāvī, dēlectātum (1): to delight, please. Dum
(conj.): while. Sānat
is the third person singular form of sānō, sānāre, sānāvī, sānātum (1): to heal, cure.
Nontamenquidquidnoneritpropriumprotinusetinpropriivitiolaborabit. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 8.2.4
Translation
However, it does not follow that whatever fails to exhibit propriety necessarily suffers from the fault of impropriety.
More literally: However, not everything that is not proper will necessarily also suffer from the fault of the improper.
Details
(He’s talking about words. Proper
here means
properly/specifically denoting
something. Sometimes you have to use words that aren’t specific.)
Nōn: not. Tamen
(adv.): nevertheless, yet, still, however. Quisquis/
quidquid
(rel. pron. ; the neuter form is also spelled
quicquid): whoever, whatever, everyone who, everything that. Erit
is the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Proprius/propria/
proprium
(1/2): one’s (my, your, his, etc.) own; specific (to); proper. Prōtinus
(adv.): forward, straight on; immediately, forthwith; right from the start; necessarily. Et
(adv.): also, too; even. Inpropriī
is the m/n (here n) genitive singular form of inproprius/inpropria/inproprium (1/2—also
improprius): not befitting, unsuitable, improper. Vitiō
is the ablative singular form of vitium, vitiī (2n): vice, fault. Labōrābit
is the third person singular future form of labōrō, labōrāre, labōrāvī, labōrātum (1): to labor, toil, work; strive; suffer, be in trouble, have difficulties.
Quā
Quā (interrog. , rel. , and indef. adv.): by what way, in what direction (sometimes translated more loosely as where); in what way, how, by what means, in the way that, as; in respect to the fact that, in so far as, in that; by any way, in any way. It’s originally the feminine ablative singular form of quī/quae/quod, with a word like viā or parte implied (cf. hāc).
We understand more where the star has passed than where it is passing.
More literally: We understand more by what way the star has gone than by what way it is going.
Details
(About a shooting star: we see the fiery trail where the star has passed rather than the passage of the star itself.)
Intellegimus
is the first person plural form of intellegō, intellegere, intellēxī, intellēctum (3): to understand; realize. Magis
(adv.): more; rather. Ierit
is the third person singular perfect subjunctive form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Stēlla, stēllae (1f): star. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than. Quā
(interrog. adv.): by what way? in what direction? in what way? how? by what means? Eat
is the third person singular perfect subjunctive form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go (both verbs are subjunctive because they’re in indirect questions.)
Sedquodquaeris, quando, qua, quo, nihiladhucscimus. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 9.7.2
Translation
But in answer to your questions as to date, route, and destination, we know nothing yet.
More literally: But as for the fact that you are asking when, by what way, where to—we know nothing yet.
Details
Sed
(conj.): but. Quod
(conj.): that; the fact that; as for the fact that; in respect to the fact that; in that; because. Quaeris
is the second person singular form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to ask; seek. Quandō
(interrog. adv.): when? Quā
(interrog. adv.): by what way? in what direction? in what way? how? by what means? Quō
(interrog. adv.): where (with motion)? where to? whither? to what place? Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Adhūc
(adv.): still, yet; so far, as yet. Scīmus
is the first person plural form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know.
Scistiquacogereposses. —Ovid, Fasti 4.527
Translation
You have found the way to force me.
More literally: You have known how you are able to force me.
Details
Scīstī
is the first person singular perfect form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. Quā
(interrog. adv.): by what way? in what direction? in what way? how? by what means? Cōgō, cōgere, coēgī, coāctum (3): to drive together, round up, collect; force, compel. Possēs
is the second person singular imperfect subjunctive form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can (subjunctive because it's in an indirect question).
As a relative adverb: by what way; in effect, by the way by which.
Quaiuvatregeseant. —Seneca, Thyestes 218
Translation
Kings should go where they please.
More literally: Let kings go by what way it pleases (them to go).
Details
Quā
(rel. adv.): by what way, in what direction (sometimes translated more loosely as
where); in what way, in the way that, as; in respect to the fact that, in so far as, in that. Iuvat
is the third person singular form of iuvō, iuvāre, iūvī, iūtum (1): to help, benefit, avail; delight, gratify, please. Rēgēs
is the nominative plural form of rēx, rēgis (3m): king. Eant
is the third person plural subjunctive form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go (a jussive subjunctive).
Iquairecoepisti. —Seneca, Epistles 82.1
Translation
Proceed as you have begun.
More literally: Go by the way you began to go.
Details
Ī
is the singular imperative form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Quā
(rel. adv.): by what way, in what direction (sometimes translated more loosely as
where); in what way, in the way that, as; in respect to the fact that, in so far as, in that. Eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Coepistī
is the second person singular perfect form of coepī, coepisse, coeptum (defective): began (no present tense in regular use; I begin
is
incipiō).
Vicimusqualucet. —Seneca the Elder, Suasoriae 1.2
Translation
We have conquered wherever (light) shines.
Details
Vīcimus
is the first person plural perfect form of vincō, vincere, vīcī, victum (3): to conquer, overcome, overmatch; win, be victorious. Quā
(rel. adv.): by what way, in what direction (sometimes translated more loosely as
where); in what way, in the way that, as; in respect to the fact that, in so far as, in that. Lūcet
is the third person singular form of lūceō, lūcēre, lūxī, — (2): to shine; be apparent; (impersonally) it is light, it is day, light shines, etc.
Catoquaexeathabet. —Seneca, On Providence 2.10
Translation
Cato has a way of escape.
More literally: Cato has a way by which he may get out.
Details
Catō, Catōnis (3m). Quā
(rel. adv.): by what way, in what direction; in what way, in the way that, as; in respect to the fact that, in so far as, in that. Exeat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of exeō, exīre, exīvī/exiī, exitum (irreg.): to go out, get out (subjunctive because it’s in a relative clause of purpose or characteristic: quā exeat = a way for the purpose of going out or the kind/sort of way by which he may go out). Habet
is the third person singular form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have.
All good men, in so far as they are good, are equal.
Details
Virī
is the nominative plural form of vir, virī (2m): man. Bonī
is the masculine nominative plural form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Omnēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Parēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of pār, paris (3, adj.): even; equal. Sunt: (they) are. Quā
(rel. adv.): by what way, in what direction (sometimes translated more loosely as
where); in what way, in the way that, as; in respect to the fact that, in so far as, in that. Bonī
is the masculine nominative plural form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Sunt: are.
Quā. . . quā can mean as much X as Y, both X and Y.
Satisfactumquaciviumquasociorumutilitatibus. —Pliny the Younger, Panegyric 33.1
Translation
Citizens and allies alike had had their needs supplied
More literally: Enough (was) done for the advantages of both the citizens and the allies.
Details
Satis
(n, indeclinable, , nom. or acc. only—here nom.): enough. Factus/facta/
factum
is the perfect passive participle of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make (est
is implied: factum est
is the third person neuter singular perfect passive form). Quā
(rel. adv.): by what way, in what direction (sometimes translated more loosely as
where); in what way, in the way that, as; in respect to the fact that, in so far as, in that (quā. . . quā = both. . . and). Cīvium
is the genitive plural form of cīvis, cīvis (3m/f): citizen. Quā
(rel. adv.): quā. . . quā = both. . . and. Sociōrum
is the genitive plural form of socius, sociī (2m): partner, companion, ally. Ūtilitātibus
is the dative plural form of ūtilitās, ūtilitātis (3f): use, utility; service; advantage, welfare.
Occasionally quā is used as an indefinite adverb meaning by any way or in any way. This happens mostly after the words sī, nisi, num and nē.
I bar the doors in time of peace, lest peace find a way out.
More literally: I fasten the doors in peace, lest it be able to depart by any way.
Details
Pāce
is the ablative singular form of pāx, pācis (3f): peace. Forēs
is the accusative plural form of foris, foris (3f): door, gate. Obdō, obdere, obdidī, obditum (3): to place as a barrier; put one thing before another; shut, fasten. Nē
(conj. , with subjunctive): lest, that not. Quā
(indef. adv.): by any way, in any way. Discēdō, discēdere, discessī, discessum (3): to part, leave, depart. Possit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can.
Quam
Quam (interrog. and rel. adv.): how (much), to what degree; as; than; rather than.
As an interrogative adverb: how (much), to what degree (compare quōmodo, which means a different kid of how: in what way or by what means).
Resquammolestasitvides. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 12.32.1
Translation
You see how tiresome a business this is.
Details
Rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair, business; reality, truth, fact. Quam
(interrog. adv.): how (much)? to what degree? Molestus/
molesta
/molestum (1/2): tiresome, annoying, troublesome. Sit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Vidēs
is the second person singular form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see.
Quam can be used in an exclamatory way: how. . . !
Quambeneexciderammihi! —Seneca, Phaedra 590
Translation
How good it was to escape from myself!
More literally: How well I had dropped out of myself!
Details
Quam
(interrog. adv.): how (much)? to what degree? Bene
(adv.): well. Excideram
is the first person singular pluperfect form of excidō, excidere, excidī, — (3): to fall out, drop out; disappear; escape; be forgotten (can take a dative object) (sibi excidere = to lose control of oneself or lose consciousness; here the speaker had been in a faint and was displeased to be revived because it returned her to her grief). Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (me, myself).
Quammultisdivitiaegravessunt! —Seneca, On the Shortness of Life 2.4
Translation
To how many are riches a burden!
Details
Quam
(interrog. adv.): how (much)? to what degree? Multīs
is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many. Dīvitiae, dīvitiārum (1f, plural only): wealth, riches. Gravēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of gravis/gravis/grave (3): heavy; burdensome; serious; hard, painful, grievous. Sunt: (they) are.
As a relative adverb, starting with as (meaning to the same degree as) . It’s often combined with quam: tam. . . quam = as. . . as.
Moreover, it is as troublesome to be feared at home as abroad.
Details
Timērī
is the passive infinitive form of timeō, timēre, timuī, — (2): to fear, be afraid. Autem
(particle): on the other hand, but, however; and, moreover. Tam
(adv.): so (much), as (much). Domī
is the locative singular form of domus, domī (2/4f): home, house (the locative takes the same form as the genitive for 1/2 declension words; it is used to express place where: at home). Molestus/molesta/
molestum
(1/2): annoying, troublesome, tiresome. Est: it is. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Forīs
(adv.): outside, abroad.
And quam sometimes goes with other words that express similarity:
More literally: The god himself paled equally as the boy.
Details
Expalluit
is the third person singular perfect form of expallēscō, expallēscere, expalluī, — (3): to pale, go (very) pale. Aequē
(adv.): equally, as much, just as. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Puer, puerī (2m): boy; child. Ipse
/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself/myself/etc. ; in person; the very. Deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god, deity.
Tam with quam can also mean as the one. . . so the other, or as much this as that.
TamArdeacaptaquamRomaest. —Seneca, Epistles 91.16
Translation
(Chicago:) Rome was captured just as Ardea was.
More literally: As Ardea was captured, so was Rome.
Details
(Great human creations eventually meet the same fate as minor ones.)
Tam
(adv.): so (much), as (much). Ardea, Ardeae (1f): a city in Latium. Capta
(est) is the third person feminine singular perfect passive form of capiō, capere, cēpī, captum (3, –iō): to take, seize, capture. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Rōma, Rōmae (1f): Rome. Est: is. #(see
capta)%
Quam + superlative = as (superlative) as possible.
More literally: Therefore he made it as best as he was able to.
Details
(Quoting Plato, and talking about God’s creation of the world.)
Fēcit
is the third person singular perfect form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Itaque
(conj.): (and) so, therefore. Quam
(rel. adv.): how (much), as, to what degree; than; rather than. Optimum
is the m/n accusative singular form of optimus/optima/optimum (1/2): very good/best—the superlative form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good (optimum
is masculine here because it modifies an implied form of mundus, mundī (2m): world). Potuit
is the third person singular perfect form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can.
Than.
“Numquidtu,”
inquit, “meliusdicerevisquampotes?”
—Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 10.3.15
Translation
He said, “Do you really want to speak better than you can?”
Details
Numquid
(interrog. particle): creates a question with the expected answer
no, or conveying disbelief or tentativeness (really. . . ? could it be that. . . ?). Tū: you. Inquit
is the third person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say (inquit = he/she/it says
or
said). Melius
(adv.): better—the comparative form of bene (adv.): well. Dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say, speak. Vīs
is the second person singular form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Potes
is the second person singular form of possum, posse, potuī (irreg.): to be able; can.
Sextius used to say that Jupiter had no more power than the good man.
More literally: Sextius was accustomed to say Jupiter not to be more capable than the good man.
Details
Solēbat
is the third person singular imperfect form of soleō, solēre, solitus sum (2, semi-deponent): to be accustomed (to doing something), be in the habit of (doing something), do (something) habitually (it is completed by an infinitive). Sextius
/Sextia/Sextium (1/2): Roman family name, here of Quintus Sextius, a Roman philosopher. Dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Iovem
is the accusative singular form of Iuppiter, Iovis (3m): Jove, Jupiter. Plūs
is the accusative singular form of plūs, plūris (3n): more. Nōn: not. Possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can; be capable of (with an accusative object in the form of a neuter pronoun or “word of amount” like
plūs). Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Bonum
is the m/n accusative singular form of bonus/bona/bonum (1/2): good. Virum
is the accusative singular form of vir, virī (2m): man; husband.
Rather than is often expressed by potius quam or magis quam.
Let it be of such a kind that it displays facts rather than itself.
Details
(He’s talking about eloquence—ēloquentia, ēloquentiae (1f).)
Sit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s jussive). Tālis/
tālis
/tāle (3): such, of such a kind. Ut
(conj.): that, so that. Rēs
is the accusative plural form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair; reality, truth, fact. Potius
(adv.): rather, instead, preferably. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Sē: itself—the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Ostendat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of ostendō, ostendere, ostendī, ostentum/ostēnsum (3): to show, exhibit, display (subjunctive because it’s in a result clause).
Delenimentamagisquamremediapodagraemeaecompono. —Seneca, On the Happy Life 17.4
Translation
(Chicago:) I am concocting balms rather than cures for my gout.
Details
Dēlēnīmenta
is the accusative plural form of dēlēnīmentum, dēlēnīmentī (2n): a thing that soothes; soothing act; consolation. Magis
(adv.): more; rather. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Remedia
is the accusative plural form of remedium, remediī (2n): remedy, cure, medicine. Podagrae
is the dative singular form of podagra, podagrae (1f): gout. Meae
is the feminine dative singular form of meus/mea/meum (1/2): my, mine. Compōnō, compōnere, composuī, compositum (3): to compose, build; arrange; settle, calm, allay.
But notice that magis quam can also simply mean more than.
Death ought to be despised more than it usually is.
More literally: Death ought to be despised more than it is accustomed (to being despised).
Details
Mors, mortis (3f): death. Contemnī
is the passive infinitive form of contemnō, contemnere, contempsī, contemptum (3): to despise, scorn, hold in contempt, value little, disregard. Dēbet
is the third person singular form of of dēbeō, dēbēre, dēbuī, dēbitum (2): to owe; ought. Magis
(adv.): more; rather. Quam
(rel. adv.): as; than; rather than. Solet
is the third person singular form of soleō, solēre, solitus sum (2, semi-deponent): to be accustomed (to doing something), do (something) habitually (it’s completed by an infinitive).
In rather than constructions with quam, the “rather” word is occasionally implied rather than expressed; this leaves quam alone to be translated as rather than. So for example you could drop the word magis from the sentence dēlēnīmenta magis quam remedia podagrae meae compōnō and the meaning would stay the same. It would just sound less usual.
Quamdiū
Quamdiū (interrog. and rel. adv.): how long; as long as (may also be written as two words: quam = how; diū = long; also sometimes as quandiū).
As an interrogative adverb.
Quamdiunobispopulusmetet? —Seneca, Epistles 60.2
Translation
How long will the people harvest for us?
Details
(He’s talking about the general appetite for overeating and the labor needed to support it.)
Quamdiū
(interrog. adv.): how long? Nōbīs
is the dative form of nōs: we (for us). Populus, populī (2m): people; nation; general public. Metet
is the third person singular future form of metō, metere, messuī, messum (3): to reap, harvest.
Let us greedily enjoy our friends, because we do not know how long this privilege will be ours.
More literally: Let us greedily enjoy (our) friends, because it’s uncertain how long this is able to be granted.
Details
Amīcīs
is the ablative plural form of amīcus, amīcī (2m): friend. Avidē
(adv.): greedily. Fruāmur
is the first person plural subjunctive form of fruor, fruī, frūctus sum (3, deponent): to employ, make use of; enjoy, take pleasure or derive a benefit from (takes an ablative object) (subjunctive because it’s hortatory). Quia
(conj.): because; that. Quamdiū
(interrog. adv.): how long? Contingō, contingere, contigī, contāctum (3): to touch; reach, extend to; (esp. of a good thing) happen; be granted to, fall to the lot of (someone in the dative). Hic/haec/
hoc
(pron.): this; he, she, it. Possit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Incertus/incerta/
incertum
(1/2): uncertain, doubtful, not known. Est: is.
How long did our state remain in ignorance of Cato!
Details
Quamdiū
(interrog. adv.): how long? Catōnem
is the accusative singular form of the proper name Catō, Catōnis (3m): Cato. Cīvitās, cīvitātis (3f): state, city-state. Ignōrāvit
is the third person singular perfect form of ignōro, ignōrāre, ignōravi, ignōratum (1): to not know, be ignorant of; ignore, disregard.
As long as nothing satisfies you, you yourself cannot satisfy others.
More literally: As long as nothing will have been enough for you, you yourself will not be (enough) for others.
Details
Quamdiū
(rel. adv.): as long as. Tibi: to/for you—the dative form of tū: you. Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): enough. Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing. Fuerit
is the third person singular future perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Ipse
/ipsa/ipsum (pron. or adj.): himself/herself/itself/myself/yourself/etc. Aliīs
is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of alius/alia/aliud (1/2, irreg.): other, another. Nōn: not. Eris
is the second person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
As long as this companion is avaricious and mean, greed will stick to you.
More literally: Greed will stick to you so long as you live with a greedy and miserly one.
Details
Haerēbit
is the third person singular future form of haereō, haerēre, haesī, haesum (2): to cling, stick (to); be stuck. Tibi: to you—the dative form of tū: you. Avāritia, avāritiae (1f): avarice, greed; miserliness. Quamdiū
(rel. adv.): as long as. Avārō
is the m/n (here m) dative singular form of avārus/avāra/avārum (1/2): greedy. Sordidōque
is the m/n (here m) dative singular form of sordidus/sordida/sordidum (1/2): dirty, foul; low, lowly, vulgar, common; miserly, mean, avaricious (the enclitic conjunction –
que
adds
and). Convīxeris
is the second person singular future perfect form of convīvō, convīvere, convīxī, convīctum (3): to live together, live with (takes a dative object).
Quamdiū can be paired with tamdiū. The words tend to be read together: one things happens (or should) so long as another one does.
You should keep learning as long as you are ignorant.
Details
(For as long as you live.)
Tamdiū
(adv.): (for) so long (tam = so +
diū = long). Discendus/discenda/
discendum
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be learned) of discō, discere, didicī, discitūrus (3): to learn. Est: it is (discendum est
is the passive periphrastic: you should learn). Quamdiū
(rel. adv.): as long as (quam = how/as +
diū = long). Nesciās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of nesciō, nescīre, nescīvī/nesciī, nescītum (4): to not know (it’s in the potential subjunctive because the subject is a general
you).
Quamquam
Quamquam (rel. adv.): though, although, notwithstanding that. Quamquam can introduce a clause, classically with an indicative verb; but the subjunctive sometimes occurs, too especially after the classical period.
Even though you’re a rascal, you give sound advice.
More literally: Though you are a bad man, you advise rightly.
Details
Quamquam
(rel. adv.): though, although, notwithstanding that. Nēquam
(indeclinable adjective): worthless, bad, rascally, depraved. Homō, hominis (3m): man, human. Es: you are. Rēctē
(adv.): rightly. Monēs
is the second person singular form of moneō, monēre, monuī, monitum (2): to warn; advise; remind.
Ibo; quamquaminvitafacio, impietassitnisieam. —Plautus, The Braggart Soldier 1319
Translation
I’ll go. Even though I’m doing so unwillingly, it would be a breach of family duty if I didn’t go.
Details
Ībō
is the first person singular future form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Quamquam
(rel. adv.): though, although, notwithstanding that. Invītus/
invīta
/invītum (1/2): unwilling. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Impietās, impietātis (3f): lack of a sense of duty, lack of respect (for one’s parents, one’s family, one’s country, etc.); impiety. Sit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Nisi
(conj.): if not, unless; except. Eam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of eō. (Sit
and
eam
are subjunctive because they describe potential action; they’re the verbs of a future-less-vivid conditional clause.)
Quamquamquidegolegemloquor? Libertatiobstat. —Livy, History of Rome 3.11.13
Translation
And yet why do I say law? It is liberty he is thwarting.
Details
Quamquam
(rel. adv.): though, although, notwithstanding that. Quid
(interrog. adv.): why? Ego: I. Lēgem
is the accusative singular form of lēx, lēgis (3f): law, rule, principle. Loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak (of). Lībertātī
is the dative singular form of lībertās, lībertātis (3f): liberty, freedom. Obstat
is the third person singular form of obstō, obstāre, obstitī, obstātum (1): to stand in the way, obstruct, hinder (takes a dative object).
Or it can introduce a simple word or phrase without a finite verb (see the second section in the entry on quasi for discussion of that term).
Cervisquoqueestsuamalignitas, quamquamplacidissimoanimalium. —Pliny the Elder, Natural History 8.112
Translation
Deer also have their own form of stinginess, although (the stag) is the gentlest of animals.
More literally: For deer too there is their own meanness, though the gentlest of animals.
Details
Cervīs
is the dative plural form of cervus, cervī (1f): deer. Quoque
(adv.): also, too, as well. Est: there is. Suus/
sua
/suum (1/2): their (own). Malignitās, malignitātis (3f): spite, malice, meanness; stinginess. Quamquam
(rel. adv.): though, although, notwithstanding that. Placidissimō
is the m/n dative singular form of placidissimus/placidissima/placidissimum (1/2): very gentle/gentlest—the superlative form of placidus/placida/placidum (1/2): peaceful, calm, gentle. Animālium
is the genitive plural form of animal, animālis (3n): animal, living thing. Notice that
placidissimō
is dative because it agrees with
cervīs. If
quamquam
had been introducing its own clause with the finite verb
est, the adjective would have been nominative in agreement with the subject of that new clause (quamquam placidissimum animalium est = although it is the gentlest of animals).
Quamvīs
Quamvīs (rel. adv.): as. . . as you like; however (much); although. A compound of quam (the relative adverb) + vīs (the second person singular form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish).
More literally: As small as you like (that) they are, they grow into (something) greater.
Details
(How passions work once they get started.)
Quamvīs
(rel. adv.): as. . . as you like; however (much); although. Exigua
is the neuter nominative plural form of exiguus/exigua/exiguum (1/2): small, little, petty. Sint
is the third person plural subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Maius
is the neuter accusative singular form of maior/maior/maius (3): larger, greater—the comparative form of magnus/magna/magnum (1/2): large, great. Excēdunt
is the third person plural form of excēdō, excēdere, excessī, excessum (3): to go away, depart, leave; exceed; project, protrude; extend; grow.
Or it can be followed by a word or phrase without a finite verb (see the second section of the entry on quasi for a definition of that term):
Vidiarmatosquamvispaucos. —Cicero, In Defense of Caecina 47
Translation
I saw armed men, however few.
Alt. : I saw armed men, as few as you like.
Details
Videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Armātōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of armātus/armāta/armātum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (armed) of armō, armāre, armāvī, armātum (1): to arm. Quamvīs
(adv.): as. . . as you like; however (much); although. Paucōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of paucus/pauca/paucum (1/2): few.
Adversariosquamvisfatuosfingunt. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 9. pr.2
Translation
They make out their opponents to be as silly as they like.
Details
Adversāriōs
is the accusative plural form of adversārius, adversāriī (2m): adversary, opponent, enemy. Quamvīs
(rel. adv.): as. . . as you like; however (much); although. Fatuōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of fatuus/fatua/fatuum (1/2): foolish. Fingunt
is the third person plural form of fingō, fingere, fīnxī, fictum (3): to shape, form, mold, fashion, make; make up, imagine, suppose.
And the folly (of it) you may attack as much as you like.
Moreover, it is allowed to reproach the stupidity as abundantly as you like.
Details
Stultitiam
is the accusative singular form of stultitia, stultitiae (1f): stupidity, foolishness, folly. Autem
(particle): but, however, on the other hand; and, moreover. Accūsō, accūsāre, accūsāvī, accūsātum (1): to blame, accuse; reproach; find fault with. Quamvīs
(adv.): as. . . as you like; however (much); although. Cōpiōsē
(adv.): abundantly, copiously; (of discourse) fully, at length. Licet, licēre, licuit/licitum est (2): it is allowed, it is permitted, one can, one may (impersonal; appears mostly in the third person singular form).
Quandō
Quandō (interrog. , rel. , and indef. adv.): when; since; ever, at any time, at some time or other.
As an interrogative adverb: when? at what time?
Quandoegotevidebo? —Plautus, The Weevil 212
Translation
When will I see you?
Details
Quandō
(interrog. adv.): when? Ego: I. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Vidēbō
is the first person singular future form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see.
Quandohicannuspraeteribit? —Seneca, On the Shortness of Life 7.8
Translation
When will this year be over?
Details
(A cry of the weary.)
Quandō
(interrog. adv.): when? Hic
/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Annus, annī (2m): year. Praeterībit
is the third person singular future form of praetereō, praeterīre, praeteriī/praeterīvī, praeteritum (irreg.): to pass by; pass over, neglect.
Tequandoexspectemusfacutsciam. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 16.18.3
Translation
Let me know when we are to expect you.
Details
Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Quandō
(interrog. adv.): when? Exspectēmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of exspectō, exspectāre, exspectāvī, exspectātum (1—also
expectō): to wait (for), await; expect; look forward to (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Fac
is the singular imperative form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Sciam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): I know.
As a relative adverb, quandō can mean when, at the time when (but it’s much less common in this sense than cum).
Laudatoquandoilludquodcupiseffecero. —Plautus, The Weevil 364
Translation
Praise me once I’ve achieved what you long for.
More literally: Praise (me/my action) when I will have accomplished that which you desire.
Details
Laudātō
is the singular future imperative form of laudō, laudāre, laudāvī, laudātum (1): to praise. Quandō
(rel. adv.): when; since. Illud
is the neuter accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it; the former. Quod
is the neuter accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Cupis
is the second person singular form of cupiō, cupere, cupīvī/cupiī, cupītum (3, –iō): to long (for), wish, want, desire. Effēcerō
is the first person singular future perfect form of efficiō, efficere, effēcī, effectum (3, –iō): to make; produce; bring about, cause; carry out, execute, accomplish, fulfill.
It can also mean since (in a causal sense), given that.
Utpossumus, quandoutvolumusnonlicet. —adage of Erasmus
Translation
We live as we can, since we cannot live as we wish.
More literally: As we can, since as we want is not permitted.
Details
Ut
(rel. adv.): as
Possumus
is the first person plural form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Quandō
(interrog. , rel. , and indef. adv.): when; since. Volumus
is the first person plural form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish. Nōn: not. Licet
is the third person singular form of licet, licēre, licuit/licitum est (2, impersonal): it is allowed, it is permitted, it is possible.
Servame, quandoegoteservavisedulo. —Plautus, The Weevil 640
Translation
Preserve me, since I’ve preserved you eagerly.
Details
Servā
is the singular imperative form of servō, servāre, servāvī, servātum (1): to save; protect, preserve; keep. Mē: me—the accusative form of ego: I. Quandō
(rel. adv.): when; since. Ego: I. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Servō, servāre, servāvī, servātum (1): to save; protect, preserve; keep. Sēdulō
(adv.): diligently, eagerly, zealously. .
Quandō can be an indefinite adverb; in some contexts it’s used instead of aliquandō to mean ever, at any time, at some time or other. This happens especially often (almost systematically) after the words sī, nisi, num and nē.
Siquandoeritcivitas, eritprofectonobislocus. —Cicero, Letters to Friends 2.16.6
Translation
If ever there is to be a state, there will surely be room in it for me.
More literally: If there will ever be a state, there will undoubtedly be a place for us.
Details
Sī
(conj.): if. Quandō
(indef. adv.): (in some contexts, especially after
sī, nisi, num
and
nē) ever, at any time, at some time or other. Erit: there will be—the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Cīvitās, cīvitātis (3f): citizenship; state, city, city-state; citizenry. Profectō
(adv.): undoubtedly, certainly, definitely. Nōbīs
is the dative form of nōs: we (to/for us). Locus, locī (2m): place, position.
Quantum
Quantum (interrog. and rel. adv.): how much; as much as; quantum, quantī (interrog. and rel. pron.): how much, how great an amount; as much as, as great an amount as. (From the adjective quantus/quanta/quantum (1/2): how great, how much; as great as, as much as.)
The physician will prescribe your walks and your exercise.
More literally: The doctor will show to you how much you are to walk, how much you are to exercise (be exercised, exercise yourself).
Details
Medicus, medicī (2m): doctor. Tibi: to you—the dative form of tū: you. Quantum
(interrog. adv.): how much. Ambulēs
is the second person singular subjunctive form of ambulō, ambulāre, ambulāvī, ambulātum (1): you should walk. Exerceāris
is the second person singular passive subjunctive form of exerceō, exercēre, exercuī, exercitum (2): to train, exercise (the reflexive passive). Mōnstrābit
is the third person singular future form of mōnstrō, mōnstrāre, mōnstrāvī, mōnstrātum (1): to point out, show. (Ambulēs
and
exerceāris
have two reasons to be in the subjunctive: they’re in questions that are both indirect and deliberative.)
It can be used in an exclamatory way:
SedM. Catoquantumdiffert! —Paterculus, History of Rome 1.7.3
Translation
But how much does M. Cato’s view differ!
More literally: But how much does M. Cato differ!
Details
Sed
(conj.): but. M.
stands for the praenomen Mārcus, Mārcī (2m)—here specifically for the nominative singular form
Mārcus. Catō, Catōnis (3m): Roman cognomen, here of Cato the Elder, a famous Roman politician and historian. Quantum
(interrog. adv.): how much? Differt
is the third person singular form of differō, differre, distulī, dīlātum (3, irreg.): to carry in different directions, scatter; delay, put off, postpone; differ.
As a relative adverb.
Recedeinteipsequantumpotes. —Seneca, Epistles 7.8
Translation
Withdraw into yourself as far as you can.
Details
Recēde
is the singular imperative form of recēdō, recēdere, recessī, recessum (3): to recede, retreat, withdraw. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Ipse
/ipsa/ipsum (pron. or adj.): himself/herself/itself/ yourself/etc. ; in person; the very (the nominative modifies the implied second person singular subject of the imperative—
you yourself retreat. . .). Quantum
(rel. adv.): as much as. Potes
is the second person singular form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can.
As an interrogative pronoun (meaning how large an amount). It appears only in the singular.
(Chicago:) (He is a poor man all the same.) Why? Because he is in debt. “How much does he owe?” you ask. Everything!
More literally: Why? Because he owes. “How much?” you say. Everything.
Details
(Of a rich man who is indebted to fortune.)
Quārē
(interrog. adv.): why? Quia
(conj.): because. Dēbet
is the third person singular form of dēbeō, dēbēre, dēbuī, dēbitum (2): to owe; ought. Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (interrog. pron.): how much? how great an amount? Inquis
is the second person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say. Omnia
is the neuter accusative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every; (n. pl. used substantively) all things, everything.
Quantum as an interrogavtive pronoun can go with a partitive genitive to mean how much of something. The genitive is used even if the word of is unnecessary in English; e. g. , how much water = quantum aquae (not quantum aqua; you can, however, say quanta aqua using the adjective quantus/quanta/quantum). When used with a partitive genitive, quantum is usually either nominative or accusative; to express the idea how much of something in the other cases, the adjective quantus/quanta/quantum is used instead; e. g. , with how much water = quantā aquā (rather than quantō aquae).
Cogitaquantumboniopportunamorshabeat. —Seneca, Consolation to Marcia 20.4
Translation
Think how great a boon a timely death offers.
Details
Cōgitā
is the singular imperative form of cōgitō, cōgitāre, cōgitāvī, cōgitātum (1): to think, reflect, consider; plan, intend. Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (interrog. pron.): how much? how great an amount? Bonum, bonī
(2n): a good thing or that which is good, a good or the good. Opportūnus/
opportūna
/opportūnum (1/2): convenient, suitable; opportune, timely. Mors, mortis (3f): death. Habeat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question).
An example of the same construction used in an exclamatory way:
What blows do athletes receive on their faces and all over their bodies!
More literally: Athletes receive how much of blows on the face, how much on the whole body!
Details
(If they do this for fame, shouldn’t we be willing to suffer for virtue?)
Āthlētae
is the nominative plural form of āthlēta, āthlētae (1m): wrestler, athlete. Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (interrog. pron.): how much? how great an amount? Plagārum
is the genitive plural form of plāga, plāgae (1f): blow, stroke, wound. Ōre
is the ablative singular form of ōs, ōris (3n): mouth; face. Tōtō
is the m/n ablative singular form of tōtus/tōta/tōtum (1/2, irreg.): whole, entire, all. Corpore
is the ablative singular form of corpus, corporis (3n): body. Excipiunt
is the third person plural form of excipiō, excipere, excēpī, exceptum (3, –iō): take or draw out; except, exclude; catch, take, receive.
The genitive form quantī is used as a genitive of value/price.
Quantiteemit? —Plautus, Pseudolous 1170
Translation
How much did he buy you for?
Details
Quantum, quantī
(interrog. pron.): how much? how great an amount? Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Ēmit
is the third person singular perfect form of emō, emere, ēmī, ēmptum (3): to buy.
The ablative quantō is used as an ablative of degree of difference with comparatives and other words that imply a comparison: how much (more, better, faster, etc.). Quantō in this context can be classified as its own adverb.
AtquantoXersesfacilior! —Seneca, On Anger 3.16. 4
Translation
But how much kinder (was) Xerxes!
Details
At
(conj.): but. Quantō
(interrog. adv.): (by) how much? Xersēs, Xersis (3m—also
Xerxēs): Xerxes. Facilior
/facilior/facilius (3): easier; more easy-going, more pliable, more indulgent—the comparative form of facilis/facilis/facile (3): easy; easy-going, pliable, indulgent.
Quantosatiusestsanareiniuriamquamulcisci! —Seneca, On Anger 3.27.1
Translation
How much better it is to heal than to avenge an injury!
Details
Quantō
(adv.): (by) how much? Satius
(indeclinable, neuter only, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): better, more satisfying, preferable. Est: it is. Sānō, sānāre, sānāvī, sānātum (1): to heal, cure. Iniūriam
is the accusative singular form of iniūria, iniūriae (1f): injury, wrong, insult. Quam
(rel. adv.): than. Ulcīscor, ulcīscī, ultus sum (3, deponent): to avenge, punish.
Examples of quantum as a relative pronoun (as much as, as great an amount as):
Tantumillideest, quantumcupit. —Seneca, On Benefits 7.2.6
Translation
He lacks as much as he still covets.
More literally: As much as he covets, so much is lacking to him.
Details
(So what difference does it make how much he’s already conquered?)
Tantum, tantī (pron.): so great an amount, so much; this amount, this much; as great an amount, as much. Illī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Deest
is the third person singular form of dēsum, dēesse/dēsse, dēfuī, dēfutūrus (irreg.): to be lacking. Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (rel. pron.): as much as, as great an amount as. Cupit
is the third person singular form of cupiō, cupere, cupīvī/cupiī, cupītum (3, –iō): to desire, wish for, want, covet. (As this illustration and others will show, quantum
is often paired with
tantum.)
Facietdeceteroquantumvolet, nonquantumpermiseris. —Seneca, On Anger 1.8.1
Translation
After that it will do as much as it chooses, not as much as you allow.
Details
(He’s talking about anger once you give it a start.)
Faciet
is the third person singular future form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Dē
(prep.): from, down from; of; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Cēterō
is the m/n (here n) ablative singular form of cēterus/cētera/cēterum (1/2): the rest of, (all) the others, the rest (dē cēterō
is an idiom meaning
for the rest
or
after that, for the future, etc. (for the rest of the time to come)). Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (rel. pron.): how much, as much as, as great an amount as. Volet
is the third person singular future form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish. Nōn: not. Permīseris
is the second person singular future perfect form of permittō, permittere, permīsī, permissum (4): to permit, allow; let go.
Quantum can also take a partitive genitive when it’s used as a relative pronoun.
Tantumquisqueseinrepublicapossepostulatquantumhabetvirium. —Cicero, Letters to Brutus 18.3
Translation
Everybody demands as much political power as he has force behind him.
More literally: Each person demands himself to be capable of as much (to have as much power) in the state as he has of forces.
Details
Tantum
is the accusative form of tantum, tantī (pron.): so great an amount, so much; this amount, this much; as great an amount, as much. Quisque
/quaeque/quidque (pron.): each one, each person, each thing. Sē: himself—the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Rē
is the ablative singular form of rēs, reī (5f): thing; matter, affair. Pūblicā
is the feminine ablative singular form of pūblicus/pūblica/pūblicum (1/2): public (rēs pūblica = the state). Possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can; (with a neuter “word of amount” like
tantum) be capable of, have (a specified amount) of power or influence. Postulat
is the third person singular form of postulō, postulāre, postulāvī, postulātum (1): to ask for, demand (esp. something you’re entitled to or think you’re entitled to). Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (rel. pron.): as much as, as great an amount as. Habet
is the third person singular form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Vīrium
is the genitive plural form of vīs, vīs (3f, irreg.): energy, force, strength, power; violence.
And it can appear as a genitive of price/value.
NonemotantiCiceronisvitamquantivenditAntonius. —Seneca the Elder, Suasoriae 7.3
Translation
I am not prepared to buy Cicero’s life at a price asked by Antony.
More literally: I’m not buying Cicero’s life for as much as Antony sells (it).
Details
Nōn: not. Emō, emere, ēmī, ēmptum (3): to buy. Tantum, tantī
(pron.): so great an amount, so much; this amount, this much; as great an amount, as much. Cicerō, Cicerōnis
(3m): Cicero (cognomen). Vītam
is the accusative singular form of vīta, vītae (1f): life. Quantum, quantī
(rel. pron.): as much as, as great an amount as. Vēndit
is the third person singular form of vēndō, vēndere, vēndidī, vēnditum (3): to sell. Antōnius
/Antōnia/Antōnium (1/2): a family name, here referring to the famous Mark Antony.
You suppose yourself to be poor exactly by the same amount in which you fall short of your neighbour.
More literally: You seem to yourself to be left short (of wealth) by as much as you are surpassed (in wealth).
Details
Tantō
(adv.): (by) so much, (by) as much, by so/as great an amount/degree—the ablative form of
tantum, tantī
used as an ablative of degree of difference. Tibi: to you(rself)—the dative form of tū: you. Vidēris
is the second person singular passive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem. Dēficī
is the passive infinitive form of dēficiō, dēficere, dēfēcī, dēfectum (3, –iō): to run out; fail, leave (someone) short, leave (someone) without a sufficiency. Quantō
(rel. adv.): (by) how much, (by) as much as, by as great an amount/degree as. Vinceris
is the second person singular passive form of vincō, vincere, vīcī, victum (3): to conquer; surpass; win, be victorious.
Quantō. . . tantō (still in the ablative of degree of difference) is often used with comparatives to mean the (more, etc.). . . the (more, etc.).
Quantominusspeiest, tantomagisamo. —Terence, The Eunuch 1053
Translation
The less my hope, the more I’m in love.
More literally: By how much there is less of hope, by so much I love more (the less of hope there is, the more I love).
Details
Quantō
(rel. adv.): (by) how much, (by) as much as, by as great an amount/degree as. Minus, minōris (3n): a lesser amount, less. Spēs, speī
(5f): hope; expectation. Est: there is. Tantō
(adv.): (by) so much, (by) as much, by so/as great an amount/degree. Magis
(adv.): more; rather. Amō, amāre, amāvī, amātum (1): to love.
The word quantum in its various senses (interrogative, relative, etc.) features in a few other idioms that bear mentioning.
— Quantum can sometimes be translated with as far as. For example, quantum ad X (attinet/pertinet) means as far as X is concerned. The verb can be included or left implied. E. g. , quantum ad faciem attinet, pulcher est = as far as his face is concerned, he’s handsome. Similarly, quantum in X (ablative) est (sometimes with est left implied) means so far as in X lies, so far as it depends on X or to the extent that X can, etc. Rem, quantum in mē fuit, exposuī = I explained the matter as best I could.
— In quantum means to what degree, how much or as much as, to the degree that, etc. In quantum prōcesserint nesciō = I don’t know how much they’ve progressed. In quantum possunt prōcēdant = Let them progress as much as they can. (In the first example, quantum is interrogative; in the second, it’s relative.)
— Nimium/immāne (or similar adjective) quantum means literally excessive/tremendous how much; i.e., excessively, tremendously (or the like: extremely, terribly, enormously, etc.), or an excessive/tremendous/etc. amount. Nimium quantum timent = They are excessively/terribly afraid. Immāne quantum aurī possidet = He owns an enormous amount of gold.
Quārē
Quārē (interrog. and rel. adv.): why; for which reason, on account of which, wherefore, therefore, hence, so, that is why. Quā (feminine ablative singular of quī/quae/quod) + rē (ablative singular of rēs, reī (5f)). It’s sometimes written as two words.
As an interrogative adverb: why? for what reason?
Quaerisquare? habebatalterum. —Seneca, On Anger 2.33. 5
Translation
(Chicago:) Why, you ask? He had another.
Details
(He’s describing a man who dined with Caesar after Caesar had killed one of his sons; the man had another son to worry about.)
Quaeris
is the second person singular form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to ask; seek. Quārē
(interrog. adv.): why? Habēbat
is the third person singular imperfect form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Alterum
is the m/n (here m) accusative singular form of alter/altera/alterum (1/2, irreg.): the other, the second; another, a second.
Quareergomagnusvidetur? —Seneca, Epistles 76.31
Translation
Why then does he seem great?
Details
(Because you’re measuring the pedestal as well as the person on it.)
Quārē
(interrog. adv.): why? Ergō
(particle): therefore, then. Magnus
/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large; important. Vidētur
is the third person singular passive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem.
As a relative adverb it can mean (a reason) why, on account of which; it’s then followed by a subjunctive verb.
Is there any reason why these persons should commiserate with me?
More literally: What is there on account of which those (men) should mourn for me?
Details
(What to ask when other people say how sorry they are for you.) Quis/quis/
quid
(interrog. pron.): who? what? Est: is there. Quārē
(rel. adv.): (a reason) why, for which reason, on account of which, wherefore, therefore, hence, so, that is why. Istī
is the masculine nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that, this; he, she, it. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Conplōrent
is the third person plural subjunctive form of conplōrō, conplōrāre, conplōrāvī, conplōrātum (1—also
complōrō): to lament together, bewail, mourn (for).
Quārē is also often used as a connective relative that can be translated as therefore, hence, so, that is why, etc. Unlike the previous usage, this one doesn’t require the subjunctive, though a subjunctive verb can of course follow if there’s a separate reason for it (because the meaning is jussive or potential, etc.).
Quareverissimumexistima, quodillecomicusdixit. —Seneca, On Benefits 2.5.2
Translation
So believe the words of the comic poet.
More literally: Therefore consider very true what that comic poet said.
Details
(Delays in giving reduce gratitude.)
Quārē
(rel. adv.): (a reason) why, for which reason, on account of which, wherefore, therefore, hence, so, that is why. Vērissimum
is the m/n accusative singular form of vērissimus/vērissima/vērissimum (1/2): very/most true—the superlative form of vērus/vēra/vērum (1/2): true. Exīstimā
is the singular imperative form of exīstimō, exīstimāre, exīstimāvī, exīstimātum (1): to think, consider. Quod
is the neuter accusative singular form of quī/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Ille
/illa/illud (adj.): that (sometimes implying
famous). Cōmicus, cōmicī (2m): comedian, comic poet. Dīxit
is the third person singular perfect form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say.
Quemadmodum
Quemadmodum (interrog. and rel. adv.): how, in what manner; (just) as, (in the same way) as. Quem+ ad+ modum. Sometimes written as three words.
As in interrogative adverb.
Scitisquemadmodumveneficamoderim. —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 9.6.4
Translation
You all know how I hate a poisoner.
Details
Scītis
is the second person plural form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know. Quemadmodum
(interrog. adv.): how? in what manner? Venēficam
is the accusative singular form of venēfica, venēficae (1f): witch, sorceress; (female) poisoner (a substantive use of venēficus/venēfica/venēficum (1/2): that makes poison; sorcerous, dealing in sorcery). Ōderim
is the first person singular subjunctive form of ōdī, ōdisse, ōsum (irreg. , perfect forms have present meaning): to hate (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question).
As a relative adverb (often paired with sīc or ita).
(He’s talking about a friendship started because it was useful to you; the friend will leave as soon as it’s useful to him.)
Quemadmodum
(rel. adv.): how, (just) as, (in the same way) as. Coepit
is the third person singular perfect form of coepī, coepisse, coeptum (defective; usually occurs only in the perfect, pluperfect and future perfect tenses): to begin, start. Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner. Dēsinet
is the third person singular future form of dēsinō, dēsinere, dēsiī/dēsīvī, dēsitum (3): to end, cease.
Quidem
Quidem (particle): at any rate, at all events; indeed; at that, what is more. Quidem can supply emphasis that isn’t translated rigidly or explicitly. It often implies contrast with what was just said or will be said next. Or it can introduce an additional comment (often reinforcing what was just said).
Quidem is postpositive; it doesn’t come first in a clause. It tends to come directly after a word that it emphasizes (e. g. , ego quidem. . . = I at any rate. . .), but it can also emphasize whole clauses.
To create contrast with what’s just been said.
Hocquidemcertumhabe. —Seneca, Epistles 57.9
Translation
(Chicago:) But of this, at least, you may be sure.
More literally: This, at any rate, hold certain.
Details
(He’s just noted hard questions about whether the mind is immortal.)
Hoc
is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Quidem
(particle): at any rate, at all events; indeed; at that, what is more. Certum
is the m/n accusative singular form of certus/certa/certum (1/2): certain. Habē
is the singular imperative form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have; hold, consider (c
ertum habēre
is an idiom: to know for a certainty).
Morsquidemomniumparest. —Seneca, Epistles 66.43
Translation
(Some of these departures may be regarded as better, some as worse.) But the act of dying is equal in all.
More literally: At any rate, the death of all is equal.
Details
Mors, mortis (3f): death. Quidem
(particle): at any rate, at all events; indeed; at that, what is more. Omnium
is the m/f/n (here m) genitive plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): all; every. Pār, paris (3, adj.): equal. Est: is.
To create contrast with what is to come: indeed yes, but—
I am indeed thrust out, but it is as if I were going away willingly.
More literally: I am indeed thrust out, but as if I were walking out.
Details
(An approach to dying.)
Ēicior
is the first person singular passive form of ēiciō, ēicere, ēiēcī, ēiectum (3): to expel, throw out, thrust out. Quidem
(particle): at any rate, at all events; indeed; at that, what is more. Sed
(conj.): but. Tamquam
(conj.): just as, like; as if (often takes a subjunctive verb). Exeam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of exeō, exīre, exīvī/exiī, exitum (irreg.): to go out, exit, depart.
Introducing further comment: at that, what is more (often after et).
Crustaestetquidemtenuis. —Seneca, On Providence 6.4
Translation
It is a shell, and a thin one at that.
Details
(The apparent good fortune of wretched people.)
Crusta, crustae (1f): the hard surface of a body, outer casing; rind, shell, crust, bark. Est: it is. Et
(conj.): and. Quidem
(particle): at any rate, at all events; indeed; at that, what is more. Tenuis/
tenuis
/tenue (3): thin, meager; modest, plain.
There’s a special use of quidem with the word nē. Nē. . . quidem means not even or neither/not either. See the entry on nē for discussion and examples. `
Quidnī
Quidnī (interrog. adv.): why not? It takes a subjunctive verb and introduces a rhetorical question, where why would it not be so? really means of course it is so. (A real question expecting an answer would be worded differently, for instance with cūr nōn. Also compare quīn, yet another kind of why not.) Quidnī is made up of quid (used adverbially) + nī (a word that often means if not, unless, but here means simply not).
Quidnipetam? —Seneca, Episltes 92.11
Translation
Why would I not seek (them)?
Details
(He’s imagining someone asking if he’ll pursue good health and freedom from pain if they don’t hinder virtue.)
Quidnī
(interrog. adv.): why not? (It introduces a rhetorical question with a verb in the subjunctive.)
Petam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of petō, petere, petīvī/petiī, petītum (3): to make for, direct one’s course to; seek; ask; attack.
Quidninonpossit? —Seneca, Epistles 6.3
Translation
How could it possibly happen?
Details
Quidnī
(interrog. adv.): why not? (It introduces a rhetorical question with a verb in the subjunctive.)
Nōn: not. Possit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. (The infinitive
accidere
—
to happen
—is implied from the preceding sentence.)
(Chicago:) Is there any reason you should not offer such prayers over and over again?
More literally: Why would you not make these prayers often?
Details
Quidnī
(interrog. adv.): why not? (It introduces a rhetorical question with a verb in the subjunctive.)
Tū: you. Ista
is the neuter accusative plural form of iste/ista/istud (adj.): that (of yours). Vōta
is the accusative plural form of vōtum, vōtī (2n): vow; prayer, wish, desire. Saepe
(adv.): often. Faciās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
Quīn
Quīn (adv. and conj.): why not? (implying a suggestion); indeed, in fact, what is more; but; that not, so that not, from (doing something), so as to prevent; without it being the case that, but that.
Quīn can be an interrogative adverb meaning why not. In that role it introduces a command or suggestion in the guise of a question: Why don’t you do it? = You should do it. (A real question about the cause of something not happening would be expressed with a different wording such as cūr nōn. There’s also a third kind of “why not,” quidnī, which has its own entry.)
Quintuergorogas? —Plautus, The Comedy of Asses 30
Translation
Then why don’t you ask?
Details
(In other words: go ahead and ask.)
Quīn
(interrog. adv.): why not? (implying a suggestion). Tū: you. Ergō
(particle): therefore, then. Rogās
is the second person singular form of rogō, rogāre, rogāvī, rogātum (1): to ask, request.
By analogy, quīn sometimes strengthens an imperative verb (this usage may contain an admixture of the other adverbial meanings).
Quintuaudi. —Plautus, Bacchides 276
Translation
Why don’t you listen!
Alt: Why not listen, you!
Details
Quīn
(adv.): why not? (implying a suggestion); indeed, in fact, what is more; but. Tū
is the vocative form of tū: you. Audī
is the singular imperative form of audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear, listen.
Quīn can be an adverb meaning indeed, in fact, what is more, introducing a statement that confirms or amplifies what has just been said.
I make no delay, hurry (me) away, indeed I thank you.
Details
Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing; (accusative used adverbially) not at all. Morāmur
is the first person plural form of moror, morārī, morātus sum (1, deponent): to delay, retard; stay, linger (plural used for the singular). Rapite
is the plural imperative form of rapiō, rapere, rapuī, raptum (3, –iō): to snatch, carry off, carry away, sweep along. Quīn
(adv.): indeed, in fact, what is more; but. Grātēs
is the accusative form of grātēs, grātium (3f, pl. only): thanks rendered. Agō, agere, ēgī, āctum (3): to drive, put in motion; do, perform; act (grātēs agō = I give thanks).
Or occasionally it can introduce an objection or contradiction.
Quinnonobiurgo. —Plautus, The Merchant 322
Translation
Well, I’m not lecturing you.
Details
(After being told: stop lecturing me.)
Quīn
(adv.): indeed, in fact, what is more; but. Nōn: not. Obiūrgō, obiūrgāre, obiūrgāvī, obiūrgātum (1): to scold, rebuke, reproach.
As a conjunction, quīn is often used with expressions of preventing and the like, usually when those expressions are negated (e. g. , nothing stops you from doing X) or quasi-negated (e. g. , does anything stop you from doing X? I think not; what stops you. . . ? nothing). The quīn clause then expresses what one is not prevented from doing; it takes a subjunctive verb.
Argentumnonmoraborquinferas. —Plautus, The Comedy of Asses 355
Translation
I won’t delay you getting the money.
More literally: I won’t delay so that you not get the money.
Details
Argentum
is the accusative singular form of argentum, argentī (2n): silver; money. Nōn: not. Morābor
is the first person singular future form of moror, morārī, morātus sum (1, deponent): to delay, retard; stay, linger. Quīn
(conj. , with subjunctive): (usually after a negative or quasi-negative main clause) that not, so that not, from (doing something), so as to prevent; without it being the case that, but that. Ferās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of ferō, ferre, tulī, lātum (3, irreg.): to carry, bear; endure; get.
Facere nōn possum quīn, patī nōn possum quīn, or simply nōn possum quīn means I can’t help/resist doing X.
Nonpossumpatiquintibicaputdemulceam. —Terence, The Self-Tormentor 761
Translation
I can’t resist giving you a pat on the head.
More literally: I can’t endure that I not stroke the head for you (i.e., stroke your head).
Details
Nōn: not. Possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Patior, patī, passus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to suffer, undergo; endure; allow. Quīn
(conj. , with subjunctive): (usually after a negative or quasi-negative main clause) that not, so that not, from (doing something), so as to prevent; without it being the case that, but that. Tibi: to/for you—the dative form of tū: you. Caput
is the accusative singular form of caput, capitis (3n): head. Dēmulceam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of dēmulceō, dēmulcēre, dēmulsī, dēmulctum (2): to rub soothingly, stroke, caress.
Quīn also appears with negated or quasi-negated expressions of doubting, denying, and similar. It then introduces the fact that isn’t doubted/denied/etc. In this context, quīn can be translated as but that or simply that.
Have you any doubt that the happy life is the Supreme Good?
Details
Numquid
(interrog. particle) is a strengthened form of
num, creating a question with the expected answer
no. Dubitās
is the second person singular form of dubitō, dubitāre, dubitāvī, dubitātum (1): to doubt; hesitate. Quīn
(conj. , with subjunctive): (usually after a negative or quasi-negative main clause) that not, so that not, from (doing something), so as to prevent; without it being the case that, but that; after a negated expression of doubting or denying it can be translated as
but that
or simply
that. Beātus/
beāta
/beātum (1/2): happy; prosperous. Vīta, vītae (1f): life. Summus/summa/
summum
(1/2): highest; supreme. Bonum, bonī (2n): a good thing, a good. Sit: is—the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Atcontroversianoneratquinverumdicerent. —Cicero, In Defense of Caecina 31
Translation
But there was no dispute that they were speaking the truth.
Details
At
(conj.): but. Contrōversia, contrōversiae (1f): controversy, dispute, debate. Nōn: not. Erat: there was—the third person singular imperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Quīn
(conj. , with subjunctive): (usually after a negative or quasi-negative main clause) that not, so that not, from (doing something), so as to prevent; without it being the case that, but that; with a negated expression of doubting or denying it can be translated as
but that
or simply
that. Vērum
is the accusative singular form of vērum, vērī (2n): truth. Dīcerent
is the third person plural imperfect subjunctive form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say.
Quīn can also mean generally without it being the case that. Again, this usually occurs after negated or quasi-negated verbs. The right translation varies with the context.
There isn’t a single word of this that I haven’t said to him.
More literally: There is nothing of those things without it being the case that I said (it) to him.
Details
Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): nothing. Est: there is. Illōrum
is the m/n genitive plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. ; Quīn
(conj. , with subjunctive): (usually after a negative or quasi-negative main clause) that not, so that not, from (doing something), so as to prevent; without it being the case that, but that. Ego: I. Illī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of the same. Dīxerim
is the first person singular perfect subjunctive form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say.
Numquamaccedoquinabsteabeamdoctior. —Terence, The Eunuch 791
Translation
I never come near you without going away the wiser.
More literally: I never come near (you) without it being the case that I go away from you wiser.
Details
Numquam
(adv.): never. Accēdō, accēdere, accessī, accessum (3): to come (to), come near, approach; be added, join; agree. Quīn
(conj. , with subjunctive): (usually after a negative or quasi-negative main clause) that not, so that not, from (doing something), so as to prevent; without it being the case that, but that. Abs
is an alternative form of ab/ā (prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Tē
is the ablative form of tū: you. Abeam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of abeō, abīre, abiī, abitum (irreg.): to go away, depart; disappear, vanish; be transformed (into). Doctior
/doctior/doctius (3): more taught, more learned, wiser—the comparative form of doctus/docta/doctum (1/2): learned, wise (originally the perfect passive participle (having been taught) of doceō, docēre, docuī, doctum (2): to teach).
Quō
Quō (interrog. , rel. and indef. adv.): where (with motion), where to, whither, to what place; to what object; to what end, what for; anywhere (with motion), to any place. (Not to be confused with the identical-looking masculine and neuter ablative singular form of quī/quae/quod and of quis/quis/quid.))
As an interrogative adverb.
Quotu? —Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind 12.2
Translation
Where are you going?
Details
Quō
(interrog. adv.): where (with motion)? where to? whither? to what place? to what object? to what end? what for? Tū: you.
Quonuncabis? —Terence, Phormio 489
Translation
Where are you off to now?
Details
Quō
(interrog. adv.): where (with motion)? where to? whither? to what place? to what object? to what end? what for? Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Abīs
is the second person singular form of abeō, abīre, abiī, abitum (irreg.): to go away, depart; disappear, vanish; be transformed (into).
Rogantmeserviquoeam. —Plautus, The Weevil 362
Translation
The servants asked me where I was going.
More literally: The servants ask me where I’m going.
Details
Rogant
is the third person plural form of rogō, rogāre, rogāvī, rogātum (1): to ask, request (the historical present). Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Servī
is the nominative plural form of servus, servī (2m): slave, servant. Quō
(interrog. adv.): where (with motion)? where to? whither? to what place? to what object? to what end? what for? Eam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question).
Quospectas? —Seneca, On the Shortness of Life 9.1
Translation
What are you aiming at?
Alt. : Where are you aiming?
Details
Quō
(interrog. adv.): where (with motion)? where to? whither? to what place? to what object? to what end? what for? Spectās
is the second person singular form of spectō, spectāre, spectāvī, spectātum (1): to watch, look at; aim at.
Quomunimenta? Quoartes? —Seneca, Epistles 7.4
Translation
(Chicago:) Why bother with defenses? Why bother with technique?
More literally: To what end defenses? To what end techniques?
Details
(He’s criticizing games where gladiators have weapons but no armor, and slaughter each other.)
Quō
(interrog. adv.): where (with motion)? where to? whither? to what place? to what object? to what end? what for? Mūnīmenta
is the nominative plural form of mūnīmentum, mūnīmentī (2n): defense, protection. Artēs
is the nominative plural form of ars, artis (3f): art, skill, technique.
As a relative adverb.
Sequorquovocas. —Seneca, Natural Questions 2.59.2
Translation
I follow where you call.
Details
Sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow. Quō
(rel. adv.): where (with motion), where to, whither, to what place. Vocās
is the second person singular form of vocō, vocāre, vocāvī, vocātum (1): to call; summon.
Egoeoquomeipsamisit. —Plautus, Casina 790
Translation
I’m going where she has sent me.
Details
Ego: I. Eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Quō
(rel. adv.): where (with motion), where to, whither, to what place. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Ipse/
ipsa
/ipsum (pron.): (he) himself, (she) herself, (it) itself, that very person or thing. Mīsit
is the third person singular perfect form of mittō, mittere, mīsī, missum (3): to send; throw.
In some contexts quō is used as an indefinite adverb meaning anywhere, to any place. This occurs most often after the words sī, nisi, num and nē.
Adcenamnequoeat. —Cato, On Agriculture 143.1
Translation
She must not go out to meals anyplace.
Details
(He’s talking about rules for a housekeeper.)
Ad
(prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Cēnam
is the accusative singular form of cēna, cēnae (1f): dinner. Nē
(adv.): not (in a command, wish, or purpose, with a subjunctive verb). Quō
(indef. adv.): anywhere (with motion), to any place. Eat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go, advance, proceed.
Quōcumque
Quōcumque (rel. adv.): wherever (with motion), whithersoever, to whatever place.
Wherever I am led and summoned by honor, I will go.
More literally: And so wherever it leads and calls, I come.
Details
Itaque
(adv.) (and) so, therefore. Quōcumque
(rel. adv.): wherever (with motion), whithersoever, to whatever place. Dūcit
is the third person singular form of dūcō, dūcere, dūxī, ductum (3): to lead. Atque/
ac
(conj.): and. Vocat
is the third person singular form of vocō, vocāre, vocāvī, vocātum (1): to call; summon. Veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come.
The suffix – cumque is detachable: occasionally one or more words come between quō and – cumque.
Quō
(-cumque) (rel. adv.): wherever (with motion), whithersoever, to whatever place. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Cumque: part of
quo). #see
quo
%
Vocās
is the second person singular form of vocō, vocāre, vocāvī, vocātum (1): to call; summon. Sequor, sequī, secūtus sum (3, deponent): to follow.
Compare the separate entry on quīcumque/quaecumque/quodcumque (rel. pron. and adj.): whoever, whatever, anyone who, anything that. Quōcumque is also the m/n ablative singular form of that word.
Quōmodo
Quōmodo (interrog. and rel. adv.): how, in what way; (just) as, (in the same way) as. This is the same as quō modō but written as one word.
As an interrogative adverb: how? in what way?
Corpusquomododivido? —Seneca, Epistles 58.14
Translation
How do I divide substance?
Details
Corpus
is the accusative singular form of corpus, corporis (3n): body; substance. Quōmodo
(interrog. adv.): how? in what way? Dīvidō, dīvidere, dīvīsī, dīvīsum (3): to divide.
Quaerisquomododesierim? —Seneca, Epistles 108.22
Translation
Do you ask how I came to abandon the practice?
More literally: Do you ask how I stopped?
Details
Quaeris
is the second person singular form of quaerō, quaerere, quaesīvī/quaesiī, quaesītum (3): to ask; seek. Quōmodo
(interrog. adv.): how? in what way? Dēsierim
is the first person singular perfect subjunctive form of dēsinō, dēsinere, dēsiī/dēsīvī, dēsitum (3): to desist, stop (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question).
As a relative adverb: (just/in the same way) as (often paired with sīc or ita).
Cumpotuero, vivamquomodooportet. —Seneca, On the Happy Life 18.1
Translation
I’ll live as I should as soon as I’m able.
More literally: When I will have been able, I will live how it is proper.
Details
Cum
(conj.): when; since; while; although. Potuerō
is the first person singular future perfect form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Vīvam
is the first person singular future form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Quōmodo
(rel. adv.): how, (just) as, (in the same way) as. Oportet, oportēre, oportuī, — (2): it behooves, it is fitting, it is right, it is proper, it is necessary.
Sicdemus, quomodovellemusaccipere. —Seneca, On Benefits 2.1.1
Translation
Let us give in the manner that would have been acceptable if we were receiving.
More literally: In such manner let us give, as we would have wished to receive.
Details
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner. Dēmus
is the first person plural subjunctive form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give; concede (subjunctive because it’s hortatory). Quōmodo
(rel. adv.): how, (just) as, (in the same way) as. Vellēmus
is the first person plural imperfect subjunctive form of volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish (imperfect subjunctive because it’s present contrary to fact). Accipiō, accipere, accēpī, acceptum (3): to receive, accept, take.
(Chicago:) “But there are some who handle it well.” Yes, there are, just as some handle wine well.
Details
(On prosperity—fēlīcitās, fēlīcitātis (3f).)
At
(conj.): but. Bene
(adv.): well. Aliquis
/aliqua/aliquid (1/2): someone, something; anyone, anything. Illam
is the feminine accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she it. Fert
is third person singular form of ferō, ferre, tulī, lātum (3, irreg.): carry, bear; endure. Sīc
(adv.): thus, so; likewise, in the same way. Quōmodo
(rel. adv.): how, (just) as, (in the same way) as. Vīnum
is the accusative singular form of vīnum, vīnī (2n): wine.
Quondam
Quondam (adv.): at one time, once, formerly, in the past; someday, in the future; sometimes, once in a while.
At one time, once, formerly, in the past.
Diveserasquondam. —Martial, Epigrams 11.87
Translation
Once you were rich.
Details
Dīves, dīvitis (3, adj.): rich. Erās
is the second person singular imperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Quondam
(adv.): at one time, once, formerly, in the past; someday, in the future; sometimes, once in a while.
FueratquondamsinemuroSparta. —Livy, History of Rome 34.38.2
Translation
Sparta had once been without a wall.
Details
Fuerat
is the third person singular pluperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Quondam
(adv.): at one time, once, formerly, in the past; someday, in the future; sometimes, once in a while. Sine
(prep.): without (takes the ablative). Mūrō
is the ablative singular form of mūrus, mūrī (2m): wall (especially a city wall). Sparta, Spartae (1f): Sparta.
More literally: Think me to be able to be restored someday too.
Details
(After being ruined.)
Restituī
is the passive infinitive form of restituō, restituere, restituī, restitūtum (3): to put back, restore, rebuild, repair. Quondam
(adv.): at one time, once, formerly, in the past; someday, in the future; sometimes, once in a while. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Quoque
(adv.): also, too, as well; even. Possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Putā
is the singular imperative form of putō, putāre, putāvī, putātum (1): to think, suppose.
Quoque
Quoque (adv.): also, too, as well; even. Quoque usually comes directly after the word that it refers to. Compare ego quoque hoc faciō and ego hoc quoque faciō. In the first sentence it’s I too: others do this, and so do I. In the second it’s this too: I do other things, and also this.
Also, too, as well.
Tuquoque. —argumentative tactic
Translation
You too.
Details
(Generally considered a fallacy: defending what you’ve done by saying that your adversary does the same or worse. Sometimes called
whataboutism.)
Tū: you. Quoque
(adv.): also, too, as well; even.
Hocipsequoquefacio. —Seneca, Epistles 2.5
Translation
(Chicago:) This is what I do as well.
More literally: I myself do this, too.
Details
Hoc
is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Ipse
/ipsa/ipsum (pron. or adj.): himself/herself/itself/myself/etc. Quoque
(adv.): also, too, as well; even. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
Even as it is, the madness is no less; it merely lasts a shorter time.
More literally: Even as it is, it is not lesser, but shorter.
Details
(Beforehand: Prolong the drunkard’s condition to several days; will you have any doubt about his madness (furor, furōris (3m))?)
Nunc
(adv.): now; as it is. Quoque
(adv.): also, too, as well; even
Nōn: not. Est: it is. Minor
/minor/minus (3): smaller, lesser—the comparative form of parvus/parva/parvum (1/2): small, little. Sed
(conj.): but. Brevior
/brevior/brevius (3): shorter—the comparative form of brevis/brevis/breve (3): short.
Quotiēns
Quotiēns (interrog. and rel. adv. —also quotiēs): how many times, how often; as many times as, as often as, whenever.
As an interrogative adverb: how many times? how often?
Quotiensdicendumesttibi? —Plautus, Amphitruo 6.19
Translation
How often do you have to be told?
More literally: How many times is it to be said to you?
Details
Quotiēns
(interrog. adv.): how many times? how often? . Dīcendus/dīcenda/
dīcendum
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be said) of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Est: is it. (Dīcendum est
is the passive periphrastic (it must be said/one should say). Tibi: to you—the dative form of tū: you.
Cogitaquotienspugnaverit. —Quintilian, Minor Declamations 271.14
Translation
Think how often he has fought.
Details
Cōgitā
is the singular imperative form of cōgitō, cōgitāre, cōgitāvī, cōgitātum (1): to think, reflect; plan, intend. Quotiēns
(interrog. adv.): how many times? how often? Pugnāverit
is the third person singular perfect subjunctive form of pugnō, pugnāre, pugnāvī, pugnātum (1): to fight (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question).
(He is describing a style of complaint that we should be rid of.)
Quotiēns
(interrog. adv.): how many times? how often? Dēplōrātus sum
is the first person masculine singular perfect passive form of dēplōrō, dēplōrāre, dēplōrāvī, dēplōrātum (1): to weep for, lament, bewail. Ab/
ā
(prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Meīs
is the m/f/n (here m) ablative plural form of meus/mea/meum (1/2): my, mine.
QuotiensinsePaphuscorruit! —Seneca, Epistles 91.9
Translation
How often has Paphos collapsed!
More literally: How many times Paphos has fallen into itself!
Details
(Speaking of a city in Cyprus that evidently was stricken by multiple earthquakes; he’s saying we should all be ready for blows from fortune.)
Quotiēns
(interrog. adv.): how many times? how often? In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into, against. Sē: itself—the accusative form of the reflexive pronoun. Paphus, Paphī (2f—also
Paphos): Paphos (city in Cyprus). Corruit
is the third person singular perfect form of corruō, corruere, corruī, corrutum (3): to fall, fall down, collapse.
As a relative adverb: as many times as, as often as, whenever.
Quotienspoterit, fortunaeintercedet. —Seneca, On Mercy 2.6.3
Translation
Whenever he can, he will parry Fortune’s stroke.
(Chicago:) Whenever he can, he will stand in misfortune’s way.
More literally: As often as he will be able, he will oppose fortune.
Details
(Talking about how the sage will help the unfortunate: not with pity, but with action.)
Quotiēns
(rel. adv.): as many times as, as often as, whenever. Poterit
is the third person singular future form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Fortūnae
is the dative singular form of fortūna, fortūnae (1f): fortune. Intercēdet
is the third person singular future form of intercēdō, intercēdere, intercessī, intercessum (3): to come between; intervene; intervene against, oppose, hinder (takes a dative object).
Whenever he speaks of another man’s crime, he reflects upon his own.
Details
Quotiēns
(rel. adv.): as many times as, as often as, whenever. Alicuius
is the m/f/n (here m) genitive singular form of aliquis/aliqua/aliquid (pron.): someone, something. Scelus
is the accusative singular form of scelus, sceleris (3n): crime. Loquitur
is the third person singular form of loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, talk (of). Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Suō: his (own)—the m/n ablative singular form of suus/sua/suum (1/2). Cōgitat
is the third person singular form of cōgitō, cōgitāre, cōgitāvī, cōgitātum (1): to think, reflect.
Quotiēns is often paired with totiēns (adv. —also totiēs): so many times, so often; as many times, as often.
More literally: So many times a man dies, as many times as he loses his own.
Details
Homō, hominis (3m): man, human. Totiēns
(adv.): so many times, so often; as many times, as often. Moritur
is the third person singular form of morior, morī, mortuus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to die. Quotiēns
(rel. adv.): as many times as, as often as, whenever. Āmittit
is the third person singular form of āmittō, āmittere, āmīsī, āmissum (3): to lose; let go. Suōs: his (own—people, family members, friends, close one, etc.)—the masculine accusative plural form of suus/sua/suum (1/2).
Rūrsus
Rūrsus (adv. —also rūrsum): backwards, back, back again; in return; a second time, again; in turn; in addition, besides; then again, on the other hand; conversely.
Iubeabirerursum. —Plautus, The Ghost 377
Translation
Tell him to go away again.
Details
Iubē
is the singular imperative form of iubeō, iubēre, iussī, iussum (2): to command, order, tell. Abeō, abīre, abiī, abitum (irreg.): to go away, depart; disappear, vanish; be transformed (into). Rūrsum
(adv. —also
rūrsus): backwards, back, back again; a second time, again; in return; in turn; in addition, besides; then again, on the other hand; conversely.
Mortuosrursusoccidere. —adage of Erasmus
Translation
To slay the dead again.
Details
Mortuōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of mortuus/mortua/mortuum (1/2): dead. Rūrsus
(adv.): backwards, back, back again; in return; a second time, again; in turn; in addition, besides; then again, on the other hand; conversely. Occīdō, occīdere, occīdī, occīsum (3): to kill, slay.
It is but fair that one who craves indulgence for failings should grant it in return.
More literally: It is fair, (when) asking for indulgence for (one’s) faults, to give (it) back in return.
Details
Aequus/aequa/
aequum
(1/2): just, fair; tranquil, calm. Est: it is. Peccātīs
is the dative plural form of peccātum, peccātī (2n): sin, fault. Veniam
is the accusative singular form of venia, veniae (1f): a favor, kindness; permission; indulgence, mercy, forgiveness, pardon. Poscentem
is the m/f (here m) accusative singular form of poscēns, poscentis (3), the present active participle (asking, demanding) of poscō, poscere, poposcī, — (3): to ask for, demand. Reddō, reddere, reddidī, redditum (3): to give back, return; pay back. Rūrsus
(adv.): backwards, back, back again; in return; a second time, again; in turn; in addition, besides; then again, on the other hand; conversely.
Rūrsus can serve as a cue within an argument: again, . . . (or then again, on the other hand, etc.) Seneca uses it that way a lot.
(He’s talking about the sage, and has just said that he’ll do what’s honorable even if it’s costly; now he’s saying that the sage also won’t do what’s wrong even if it’s rewarding.)
Rūrsus
(adv.): backwards, back, back again; in return; a second time, again; in turn; in addition, besides; then again, on the other hand; conversely. Quī/quae/
quod
(rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Turpis/turpis/
turpe
(3): ugly, shameful, disgraceful, foul, base
Erit
is the third person singular future form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Nōn: not. Faciet
is the third person singular future form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make
Again, you call it obstinacy if a man keeps silent when he is questioned.
Details
(He’s noted that you get mad when people talk back to you; now he’s saying that you also complain if they don’t talk when you demand it.)
Rūrsus
(adv.): backwards, back, back again; a second time, again; in return; in turn; in addition, besides; then again, on the other hand; conversely. Sī
(conj.): if. Tacuit
is the third person singular perfect form of taceō, tacēre, tacuī, tacitum (2): to be silent. Interrogātus
/interrogāta/interrogātum (1/2) is the perfect passive participle (having been questioned) of interrogō, interrogāre, interrogāvī, interrogātum (1): to ask; question, interrogate. Contumāciam
is the accusative singular form of contumācia, contumāciae (1f): arrogance, stubbornness, obstinacy. Vocās
is the second person singular form of vocō, vocāre, vocāvī, vocātum (1): to call; summon.
Saepe
(adv.): often, frequently. Ego: I. Chrestīnam
is the accusative singular form of Chrestīna, Chrestīnae (1f). Futuō, futuere, futuī, futūtum (3): to have sexual relations with (vulgar).
Saepeenimsalutifuerepestifera. —Seneca, On Anger 1.12.6
Translation
For often poisons have saved life.
(Chicago:) For often pestilential events have had salutary results.
More literally: For often destructive things have been for salvation.
Details
(He’s saying that anger shouldn’t be praised just because it has sometimes produced good.)
Saepe
(adv.): often, frequently. Enim
(particle): for. Salūtī
is the dative singular form of salūs, salūtis (3f): health, safety, salvation. Fuēre
is the alternate third person plural perfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Pestifera
is the neuter nominative plural form of pestifer/pestifera/pestiferum (1/2): destructive, pestiferous.
The comparative (more often or rather/too often) is saepius.
Saepeadnosiravenit, saepiusnosadillam. —Seneca, On Anger 3.12.1
Translation
Anger often comes to us, but more often we go to it.
More literally: Often to us anger comes, more often we to it.
Details
Saepe
(adv.): often, frequently. Ad
(prep.): to (takes accusative). Nōs
is the accusative form of nōs: we (us). Īra, īrae (1f): anger. Venit
is the third person singular form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come. Saepius
is the comparative form of
saepe
—i.e., more often, more frequently. Nōs: we. Ad
(prep.): to (takes accusative). Illam
is the feminine accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she it.
And the superlative (very/most often) is saepissimē.
Mecumenimsaepissimeloquitur. —Cicero, In Defense of Milo 94.7
Translation
For he speaks with me very often.
Details
Mēcum: with me (mē = me; cum = with). Enim
(particle): for, indeed. Saepissimē: very/most often—the superlative form of saepe (adv.): often, frequently. Loquitur
is the third person singular form of loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, talk.
Satis
Satis (adv. and noun—also sat): enough.
As an adverb, where enough means sufficiently.
Satisnosinstruxitrationenatura. —Seneca, On Anger 1.17.2
Translation
Nature has equipped us sufficiently with reason.
Details
Satis
(adv.): enough, sufficiently. Nōs
is the accusative form of nōs: we (us). Īnstrūxit
is the third person singular perfect form of īnstruō, īnstruere, īnstrūxī, īnstrūctum (3): to build; arrange; furnish, equip; teach, instruct. Ratiōne
is the ablative singular form of ratiō, ratiōnis (3f): reason; rationale. Nātūra, nātūrae (1f): nature.
Videsisatisplacet. —Terence, The Brothers 239
Translation
See if that’s pleasing enough.
Details
Vidē
is the singular imperative form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Sī
(conj.): if. Satis
(adv.): enough, sufficiently. Placet
is the third person singular form of placeō, placēre, placuī, placitum (2): to please, be pleasing (to), be approved of; be decided or agreed upon.
As a noun, where enough means a sufficient thing or amount. It’s neuter and indeclinable and occurs only as nominative or accusative singular.
Demortesatisdictum est. —Seneca, Epistles 78.6
Translation
Concerning death enough has been said.
Details
Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes ablative). Morte
is the ablative singular form of mors, mortis (3f): death. Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): a sufficient thing or amount, enough. Dictum est
is the third person neuter singular perfect passive form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say.
He said, “I am content with few, content with one, content with none at all.”
(More literally:) “A few are enough for me,” he said; “one is enough; none is enough.”
Details
(A Stoic view of the audience needed for virtue; he’s quoting someone who was asked why he worked so hard at something that would be appreciated by only a few.)
Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): a sufficient thing or amount, enough. Sunt: (they) are. Inquit
is the third person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say (inquit = he/she/it says
or
said). Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (to/for me). Paucī
is the masculine nominative plural form of paucus/pauca/paucum (1/2): few. Est: is. Ūnus
/ūna/ūnum (1/2, irreg.): one; alone; only, sole, single. Nūllus
/nūlla/nūllum (1/2, irreg.): no one, none, not any; insignificant.
But in every age, what is enough remains the same.
Details
Īdem/eadem/
idem
(pron. or adj.): the same. Est: is. Autem
(particle): on the other hand, but, however; and, moreover. Omnī
is the m/f/n ablative singular form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Saeculō
is the ablative singular form of saeculum, saeculī (2n): age. Quī/quae/
quod
(rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Sat
is another form of satis (n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): a sufficient thing or amount, enough. Est: is.
Satis can be combined with a partitive genitive to mean enough/a sufficient amount of something. The genitive is used even if the word of is unnecessary in English (e. g. , enough water is satis aquae, not satis aqua).
Exactumsatispoenarumetultraest. —Seneca, Trojan Women 286 -7
Translation
Enough reprisals and more have been exacted.
More literally: Enough of punishments and beyond have been exacted.
Details
Exactum
(est) is the third person neuter singular perfect passive form of exigō, exigere, exēgī, exāctum (3): to drive out; demand, require, exact; inquire into, examine; spend, pass (time); complete. Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): a sufficient thing or amount, enough. Poenārum
is the genitive plural form of poena, poenae (1f): penalty, punishment. Et
(conj.): and. Ultrā
(adv.): beyond, farther. Est: is.
Scīlicet
Scīlicet (verb and particle): it is evident; evidently, obviously, certainly, undoubtedly, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say. Probably a contraction of scīre licet(it is permitted/possible to know).
Occasionally (especially in early texts) scīlicet is used as an impersonal verb meaning it is evident/clear/indubitable etc. In this usage, it takes an accusative-and-infinitive clause.
Scilicetfacturummeesse. —Terence, The Self-Tormentor 358 -9
Translation
You can be sure I will do it.
More literally: It is certain me to be going to do it.
Details
Scīlicet
(verb and particle): it is evident; evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say. Factūrum
is the m/n accusative singular form of factūrus/factūra/factūrum (1/2), the future active participle (going to do) of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I (me). Esse: to be.
But much more often, scīlicet is used as a particle meaning of course, obviously, etc. (not triggering an accusative-and-infinitive clause).
Vicitscilicet. —Petronius, Satyricon 59.5
Translation
Of course he won.
Details
Vīcit
is the third person singular perfect form of vincō, vincere, vīcī, victum (3): to conquer, defeat, overcome; surpass; win, prevail, be victorious. Scīlicet
(particle): evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say.
DeAtticaefebriculascilicetvaldedolui. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 12.1.2
Translation
Of course I felt very sorry about Attica’s touch of fever.
Details
(When I read about it in your letter). Dē
(prep.): from, down from; about, concerning (takes the ablative). Attica, Atticae
(1f): cognomen, here of Attica (daughter of Atticus). Febrīculā
is the ablative singular form of febricula, febrīculae (1f): slight fever (a full fever would be febris, febris (3f)). Scīlicet
(particle): evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say. Valdē
(adv.): very; very much; strongly, intensely. Doleō, dolēre, doluī, dolitum (2): to suffer, feel pain; grieve (for), be sad, feel sorry.
It’s often used in answering a question.
Quishocdicit? Stoiciscilicet. Minime. —Cicero, On the Ends of Good and Evil 5.93
Translation
Who says this? The Stoics, of course? Not at all.
Details
Quis
/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Hoc
is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Dīcit
is the third person singular form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say. Stōicī
is the masculine nominative plural form of Stōicus/Stōica/Stōicum (1/2): Stoic, of or belonging to the Stoic philosophy. #
the Stoics%
Scīlicet
(particle): evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say. Minimē
(adv.): least; very little; not at all.
(Chicago:) What does he get for that? A longer life, of course.
More literally: For what reward? Of longer life, obviously.
Details
(He’s talking about someone who holds out for a little more life while being tortured; he’s saying there’s no point.)
Quā
is the feminine ablative singular form of quī/quae/quod (interrog. adj.): which. . . ? what. . . ? Mercēde
is the ablative singular form of mercēs, mercēdis (3f): pay, reward, recompense. Scīlicet
(particle): evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say. Vīta, vītae
(1f): life. Longiōris
is the m/f/n genitive singular form of longior/longior/longius (3): longer—the comparative form of longus/longa/longum (1/2): long.
It can also stand as a one-word affirmative answer to a question, suggestion, etc.
“Novanuptaeademhaecdiscet?”
Scilicet. —Terence, The Brothers 751
Translation
“And the new bride will learn these same things?” Naturally.
Details
Novus/
nova
/novum (1/2): new; young; fresh. Nūpta, nūptae (1f): bride, wife. Eadem
is the neuter accusative plural form of īdem/eadem/idem (adj.): the same. Haec
is the neuter accusative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Discet
is the third person singular future form of discō, discere, didicī, discitūrus (3): to learn. Scīlicet
(verb and particle): it is evident; evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say.
Sometimes scīlicet is used ironically (saying of course, to be sure, etc. while meaning the opposite).
Oh, yes indeed, we hoodwinked them, we took them in!
More literally: Of course we gave words, we deceived.
Details
(He’s being sarcastic; nobody was fooled.)
Scīlicet
(particle): evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say. Verba
is the accusative plural form of verbum, verbī (2n): word. Dedimus
is the first person plural perfect form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give (verba dare = to give (empty) words—i.e., to deceive). Dēcēpimus
is the first person plural perfect form of dēcipiō, dēcipere, dēcēpī, dēceptum (3, –iō): to deceive.
Idpopuluscuratscilicet. —Terence, The Woman of Andros 18 5
Translation
It’s a matter of public interest, obviously.
More literally: The general public cares about it, obviously.
Details
(A reply to a friend who said: My son’s in love! What do you think about that?)
Id
is the neuter accusative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Populus, populī (2m): people; nation; general public. Cūrat
is the third person singular form of cūrō, cūrāre, cūrāvī, cūrātum (1): to look after, attend to; care (for or about). Scīlicet
(particle): evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say.
Scīlicet can also mean namely, that is to say. This usage became especially frequent in late authors and was borrowed into English (written in full as scilicet, or abbreviated as sc. ).
Eandemuxorempetit, Iuliamscilicet. —Anonymous, Augustan Histories, Life of Septimius Severus 3.9
Translation
He asked for that same woman—Julia—in marriage.
More literally: He seeks the same woman as (his) wife—Julia, that is to say.
Details
Eandem
is the feminine accusative singular form of īdem/eadem/idem (pron.): the same. Uxōrem
is the accusative singular form of uxor, uxōris (3f): wife. Petit
is the third person singular form of petō, petere, petīvī/petiī, petītum (3): to direct one’s course to, make for; aim at; go for, attack; seek; ask (a historical present; or it could be
petīt, perfect tense, contraction of
petiit). Iūliam
is the feminine accusative singular form of the family name Iūlius/Iūlia/Iūlium (1/2). Scīlicet
(particle): evidently, obviously, of course, naturally, to be sure; namely, that is to say.
Semel
Semel (adv.): once, a single time.
Semelsatisest. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 13.52.2
Translation
Once is enough.
Details
Semel
(adv.): once, a single time. Satis
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here nom.): a sufficient thing or amount, enough. Est: is.
Ideostatsemelconstitutis. —Seneca, On Anger 1.17.3
Translation
Therefore her determinations, once made, stand.
Alt. : Therefore she stands by the once decided.
Details
(He’s talking about reason and comparing it to anger.)
Ideō
(adv.): therefore, for that reason. Stat
is the third person singular form of stō, stāre, stetī, statum (1): to stand (the meaning
stand by something/a decision/etc.
often takes the ablative, sometimes the dative). Semel
(adv.): once, a single time. Cōnstitūtīs
is the m/f/n (here n) ablative (or possibly dative) plural form of cōnstitūtus/cōnstitūta/cōnstitūtum (1/2), the perfect passive participle of cōnstituō, cōnstituere, cōnstituī, cōnstitūtum (3): to establish, organize; decide.
Semper
Semper (adv.): always.
Semperfidelis. —motto of the United States Marine Corps
Translation
Always faithful.
Details
Semper
(adv.): always. Fidēlis
/fidēlis/fidēle (3): faithful, loyal; trustworthy.
Ignavissemperferiaesunt. —Erasmus, Adagia (1536)
Translation
For idlers there are always holidays.
Alt. : For sluggards, every day is a holiday.
Details
Ignāvīs
is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of ignāvus/ignāva/ignāvum (1/2): lazy, sluggish, idle. Semper
(adv.): always. Fēriae, fēriārum (1f, plural only): holiday, vacation, holy day, or other occasion for rest. Sunt: there are.
Sīc
Sīc (adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms.
Sicfugeresoleo. —Seneca, Medea 1022
Translation
This is how I always escape.
More literally: I’m used to escaping this way.
Details
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Fugiō, fugere, fūgī, fugitūrus (3, –iō): to flee, run away. Soleō, solēre, solitus sum (2 semi-deponent): to be used/accustomed to (doing something), be in the habit of (doing something), do (something) habitually (it’s completed by an infinitive).
Nonsicabibuntodia. —Seneca, The Mad Hercules 27
Translation
Even so, my hatreds will not just evaporate.
More literally: (My) hatreds will not go away like that (i.e., so easily, just because of the things previously mentioned).
Details
Nōn: not. Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Abībunt
is the third person plural future form of abeō, abīre, abiī, abitum (irreg.): to go away, depart; disappear, vanish; be transformed (into). Odia
is the nominative plural form of odium, odiī (2n): hatred, grudge.
Sīc can “announce” a later subordinate clause (such as an indirect statement or command) that explains it; e. g. , I think this way, (namely) that X is Y; I order thus, (namely) that X should do Y.
Sichabeto, nonessetemortalem, sedcorpushoc. —Cicero, On the Republic 6.26
Translation
Be sure that it is not you that is mortal, but only your body.
More literally: Hold (it) so, not you to be mortal (i.e., that not you are mortal), but this body.
Details
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Habētō
is the singular future imperative form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have; hold, consider. Nōn: not. Esse: to be. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Mortālem
is the m/f accusative singular form of mortālis/mortālis/mortāle (3): mortal. Sed
(conj.): but. Corpus
is the accusative singular form of corpus, corporis (3n): body. Hoc
is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this.
Sīc is often paired with words like quōmodo and quemadmodum to mean (just) as. . . , so. . . Examples can be found in the entries for quōmodo and quemadmodum. Sīc combined with ut followed by an indicative verb (or no verb) creates a similar meaning.
Sicestutloquor. —Plautus, Bacchides 468
Translation
It’s just as I tell you.
Details
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Est: it is. Ut
(rel. adv.): as. Loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, say.
But if ut is followed by a subjunctive verb, the meaning is different: in such a way that or to such an extent that. (Unless of course there’s another reason for the subjunctive.)
Egosicomniahabeo, utomniumsint. —Seneca, On Benefits 7.10.6
Translation
I possess all in the sense that all things belong to all!
More literally: I possess all things in such a way that they are of all (i.e., belong to all).
Details
Ego: I. Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Omnia
is the neuter accusative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have, possess. Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Omnium
is the m/f/n (here m) genitive plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Sint
is the third person plural subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
More literally: All things pass in such a way that they return.
Details
Omnia
is the neuter nominative plural form of omnis/omnis/omne (3): every; all. Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Trānseunt
is the third person plural form of trānseō, trānsīre, trānsīvī/trānsiī, trānsitum (irreg.): to pass (over/by); go across. Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Revertantur
is the third person plural subjunctive form of revertor, revertī, reversus sum (3, deponent): to go or come back, return.
Sometimes in such a way implies on these terms. The terms in question can be expressed by a later subordinate clause (like the sī clause in the illustration below).
Tu, quoniamnecessenihilest, sicscribesaliquidsivacabis. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 12.38.2
Translation
Send me a line, but only if you have the time, since there’s no necessity.
More literally: You, since it is not necessary, will write something on these terms: if you have time.
Details
Tū: you. Quoniam
(conj.): now that; seeing that, since, inasmuch as; because. Necesse
(adj.): inevitable; necessary (indeclinable, used only as nom. or acc. , and always predicatively—i.e., together with a form of
esse
or the like). Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing; (accusative used adverbially) in no respect, not (at all). Est: it is. Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Scrībēs
is the second person singular future form of scrībō, scrībere, scrīpsī, scrīptum (3): to write. Aliquid
is the neuter accusative singular form of aliquis/aliqua/aliquid (pron.): someone, something; anyone, anything. Sī
(conj.): if. Vacābis
is the second person singular future form of vacō, vacāre, vacāvī, vacātum (1): to be empty, be vacant; be at leisure, have time.
The terms can also be expressed with an ut clause or (if negative) a nē clause. E. g. , sīc ego tē iuvābō ut tū mē iuvēs = I’ll help you on these terms: that you help me; I’ll help you on condition that you help me. Sīc tē iuvābō nē turpe sit quod rogāverīs = I’ll help you on this terms: that what you ask for be not shameful; I’ll help you on condition that you don’t ask me for something shameful.
A less common meaning of sīc: so in the sense of to such an extent.
So uncontrollable in a brave man is the soldier’s love of glory.
More literally: For so ungovernable in a brave man is military glory.
Details
(He’s talking about a tragedy in which a badly wounded soldier strains to relate tales of heroism by others in his battle.)
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner, in such a way, in this/that way; so (much), to such an extent; on these terms. Est: is. Enim
(particle): for, indeed. Intemperāns, intemperantis (3): intemperate, immoderate, that cannot govern himself. Mīlitāris/
mīlitāris
/mīlitāre (3): military; soldierly. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Fortī
is the m/f/n ablative singular form of fortis/fortis/forte (3): brave; strong. Virō
is the ablative singular form of vir, virī (2m): man. Glōria, glōriae (1f): glory.
Sīcut
Sīcut (conj. —also sīcutī): as, just as, like. Sīc+ ut(ī).
Quisistasicutdisponisirepatietur? —Seneca, On the Shortness of Life 3.5
Translation
Who will suffer your course to be just as you plan it?
More literally: Who will allow those things to go just as you are arranging?
Sicut fecerunt mihi, sic feci eis. —Jud. 15:11
As they did to me, so have I done to them.
Details
(He’s warning against making big plans to live well later, after retirement.)
Quis
/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Ista
is the neuter accusative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that; he, she, it (often with second-person reference, a bit like
that of yours). Sīcut
(conj.): as, just as, like. Dispōnis
is the second person singular form of dispōnō, dispōnere, disposuī, dispositum (3): to set in order, arrange; draw up. Eō, īre, iī/īvī, itum (irreg.): to go. Patiētur
is the third person singular future form of patior, patī, passus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to suffer, undergo; endure; allow.
Sīcut
(conj.): as, just as, like. Fēcērunt
is the third person plural perfect form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I (to me). Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Eīs
is the m/f/n (here m) dative plural form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that (to them).
They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world.
Details
Dē
(prep.): from, down from; of; about, concerning (takes ablative). Mundō
is the ablative singular form of munus, mundī (2m): universe; world. Nōn: not. Sunt: they are. Sīcut
(conj.): as, just as, like. Et
(adv.): also, too; even. Ego: I. Sum: I am.
Erat, sicutihodieest, perversissimisoculis. —Cicero, On the Nature of the Gods 1.79
Translation
He had, as he has today, a pronounced squint.
More literally: He was, as he is today, with eyes very askew.
Details
Erat: he was—the third person singular imperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Sīcutī
(adv. —variant of
sīcut): as, just as, like. Hodiē
(adv.): today. Est: he is. Perversissimīs
is the m/f/n ablative plural form of perversissimus/perversissima/perversissimum (1/2): very/most askew—the superlative form of perversus/perversa/perversum (1/2): turned the wrong way, askew, awry; perverse. Oculīs
is the ablative plural form of oculus, oculī (2m): eye (perversissimīs oculīs
is the ablative of quality/description: he was with eyes very askew = he had eyes very askew, his eyes were very askew).
Simul
Simul (adv.): together; at the same time, simultaneously.
Together.
Proptervicinitatemtotosdiessimuleramus. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 5.10.5
Translation
We are close neighbors and spend all day together, every day.
More literally: Because of proximity we were together the whole days.
Details
Propter
(prep.): near, close to; because of (takes the accusative). Vīcīnitātem
is the accusative singular form of vīcīnitās, vīcīnitātis (3f): nearness, proximity; neighborhood. Tōtōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of tōtus/tōta/tōtum (1/2, irreg.): whole, entire, all. Diēs
is the accusative plural form of diēs, diēī (5m/f): day. Simul
(adv.): together; at the same time, simultaneously. Erāmus: we were—the first person plural imperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (Cicero used the past tense because he adopted the temporal point of view of the reader: this would be in the past when the letter was read).
They are dealing at the same time with things human and things divine.
Details
(He’s talking about philosophers.)
Hūmāna
is the neuter accusative plural form of hūmānus/hūmāna/hūmānum (1/2): human. Dīvīnaque
is the neuter accusative plural form of dīvīnus/dīvīna/dīvīnum (1/2): divine (the conjunction –
que
adds
and). Simul
(adv.): together; at the same time, simultaneously. Tractant
is the third person plural form of tractō, tractāre, tractāvī, tractātum (1): to handle; manage, deal with, treat, discuss.
I cannot at the same time live in that state of Good and in this state of Evil.
More literally: I am not able to be both in that good and in this evil at the same time.
Details
Nōn: not. Possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Simul
(adv.): together; at the same time, simultaneously. Et
(conj.): and (et. . . et: both. . . and). In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Illō
is the m/n ablative singular form of ille/illa/illud (adj.): that. Bonō
is the ablative singular form of bonum, bonī (2n): a good thing, a good. Et
(conj.): and (et. . . et: both. . . and). In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on. Hōc
is the m/n ablative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (adj.): this. Malō
is the ablative singular form of malum, malī (2n): a bad thing, evil. Esse: to be.
Simul atque/ac often means as soon as (literally simultaneously as, at the same time as). Examples can be found in the atque/ac entry. (Less often, et is used in place of atque/ac.) Sometimes simul alone means the same thing. (It then works as if it were a conjunction.)
Simulaliquidaudiero, scribamadte. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 8.11.7
Translation
As soon as I hear anything I will write to you.
Details
Simul
(adv.): together; at the same time, simultaneously; (as conj.) as soon as. Aliquid
is the neuter accusative singular form of aliquis/aliqua/aliquid (pron.): someone, something; anyone, anything. Audierō
is the first person singular future perfect form of audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear; listen (to). Scrībam
is the first person singular future form of scrībō, scrībere, scrīpsī, scrīptum (3): to write. Ad
(prep.): to, toward (takes the accusative). Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you.
Sōlum
Sōlum (adv.): only, just, merely. An adverbial use of the neuter form of the adjective sōlus/sōla/sōlum (1/2, irreg.): alone; only, sole single. The adverb sōlum occurs most often in the expressions nōn sōlum. . . sed/vērum (etiam) meaning not only. . . but (also), and nec/neque sōlum. . . sed/vērum (etiam) meaning and not only. . . but (also). When used in other contexts, it usually comes after the word that it modifies (e. g. , only these things = haec s ōlum). It can do that in the nōn sōlum type of construction as well, but it often comes directly after the negative instead.
More literally: For we only have the declaration (of an omen).
Details
(It’s not our place to go looking for them.)
Nōs: we. Enim
(particle): for, indeed. Nūntiātiōnem
is the accusative singular form of nūntiātiō, nūntiātiōnis (3f): declaration, announcement (by an augur—an official who observes omens). Sōlum
(adv.): only, just, merely. Habēmus
is the first person plural form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have.
Immanesquaedambestiaesibisolumnatae sunt. —Cicero, On the Ends of Good and Evil 3.63
Translation
Some very large animals are born for themselves alone.
Details
Immānēs
is the m/f nominative plural form of immānis/immānis/immāne (3): huge, immense, tremendous; savage, brutal; frightful. Quaedam
is the f/n nominative plural form of quīdam/quaedam/quoddam (adj.): some, a certain, a(n). Bēstiae
is the nominative plural form of bēstia, bēstiae (1f): beast, animal. Sibi: for themselves—the dative form of the reflexive pronoun. Sōlum
(adv.): only, just, merely. Nātae sunt
is the first person feminine plural perfect form of nāscor, nāscī, nātus sum (3, deponent): to be born; spring forth.
Nōn sōlum. . . sed/vērum (etiam) = not only. . . but (also).
Nonsolumcommoveoranimosedetiamtotocorporeperhorresco. —Cicero, In Defense of Caecina 41
Translation
I am not merely disturbed in my mind but am even trembling from head to toe.
More literally: I am not disturbed only in my mind, but I tremble even in my whole body.
Details
Nōn: not. Sōlum
(adv.): only, just, merely. Commoveor
is the first person singular passive form of commoveō, commovēre, commōvī, commōtum (2): to move, disturb, provoke. Animō
is the ablative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul, spirit. Sed
(conj.): but. Etiam
(particle): still; also; even. Tōtō
is the m/n ablative singular form of tōtus/tōta/tōtum (1/2, irreg.): whole, entire, all. Corpore
is the ablative singular form of corpus, corporis (3n): body. Perhorrēscō, perhorrēscere, perhorruī, — (3): to tremble greatly, shake with terror, shudder (at).
(Whatever is created by nature.) Quīcunque/quaecunque/
quodcunque
(rel. pron. —also
quīcumque): whoever, whatever. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into, onto (or
on
with motion). Solum, solī (2n): ground, soil; foundation. Venit
is the third person singular form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come.
Statim
Statim (adv.): at once, immediately, instantly, on the spot; necessarily, automatically; steadily, constantly.
Steadily, constantly is a rare, early meaning. The usual meaning is at once, immediately, instantly, on the spot.
Nonstatimfinisapparet. —Erasmus, Adagia (1536)
Translation
The end is not immediately in sight.
Details
(At the beginning of an enterprise, that is. You work hard or act virtuously now for results that will only become apparent later.)
Nōn: not. Statim
(adv.): at once, immediately, instantly, on the spot; necessarily, automatically; steadily, constantly. Fīnis, fīnis (3m): end; limit; purpose. Appāret
is the third person singular form of appāreō, appārēre, appāruī, appāritum (2): to be visible; come into sight, appear; be or become evident.
Haecdelenturstatim. —Cicero, In Defense of Quintus Roscius the Comedian 7
Translation
These things are destroyed immediately.
Details
(He’s talking in court about
the notes people make day to day, as distinct from ledgers they preserve more carefully.)
Haec
is the neuter nominative plural form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Dēlentur
is the third person plural passive form of dēleō, dēlēre, dēlēvī, dēlētum (2): to destroy. Statim
(adv.): at once, immediately, instantly, on the spot; necessarily, automatically; steadily, constantly.
Statimmiserest. —Seneca, Epistles 81.21
Translation
He is unhappy forthwith.
Details
(He’s talking about the ungrateful: they’re wretched on the spot, not just later.)
Statim
(adv.): at once, immediately, instantly, on the spot; necessarily, automatically; steadily, constantly. Miser
/misera/miserum (1/2): wretched, miserable. Est: he is.
Sometimes, by extension, immediately = necessarily, automatically.
Nonstatimverumest. —Seneca, Epistles 13.10
Translation
That doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen.
More literally: It is not necessarily true.
Details
(How to deal with fears: even if it seems likely that something bad will happen, remember it may not. The Latin word for
(seeming) likely
is
vērīsimile, literally
similar to true, which was used a moment earlier in the text; so there’s bit of wordplay here.)
Nōn: not. Statim
(adv.): at once, immediately, instantly, on the spot; necessarily, automatically; steadily, constantly. Vērus/vēra/
vērum
(1/2): true, real. Est: is.
Subinde
Subinde (adv.): immediately or shortly afterward, forthwith, thereupon; repeatedly, now and again, at (more or less frequent) intervals.
Immediately or shortly afterward, forthwith, thereupon.
More literally: Shortly afterwards two long-haired Ethiopians have entered.
Details
Subinde
(adv.): immediately or shortly afterward, forthwith, thereupon; repeatedly, now and again, at (more or less frequent) intervals. Intrāvērunt
is the third person plural perfect form of intrō, intrāre, intrāvī, intrātum (1): to enter, go into/within, penetrate. Duo
/duae/duo (irreg.): two. Aethiopēs
is the nominative plural form of Aethiops, Aethiopis (3m): Ethiopian. Capillātī
is the masculine nominative plural form of capillātus/capillāta/capillātum (1/2): long-haired.
Repeatedly, now and again, at (more or less frequent) intervals.
Subindeaudiotedicentem: —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 1.8.2
Translation
I often hear you saying:
Details
Subinde
(adv.): immediately or shortly afterward, forthwith, thereupon; repeatedly, now and again, at (more or less frequent) intervals, often. Audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear; listen to. Tē
is the accusative form of tū: you. Dīcentem
is the m/f accusative singular form of dīcēns, dīcentis (3), the present active participle (saying) of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say.
Hence, you must be continually brought to remember these facts.
More literally: Therefore you are to be led back to memory repeatedly.
Details
Itaque
(adv.): (and) so, therefore. Subinde
(adv.): immediately or shortly afterward, forthwith, thereupon; repeatedly, now and again, at (more or less frequent) intervals. Ad
(prep.): to (takes accusative). Memoriam
is the accusative singular form of memoria, memoriae (1f): memory. Redūcendus
/redūcenda/redūcendum (1/2) is the gerundive (to be led back) of redūcō, redūcere, redūxī, reductum (3): to lead back, bring back; draw back; recall. Es: you are.
Indulgendumestanimodandumquesubindeotium. —Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind 17. 8
Translation
We must indulge the mind and give it leisure now and again.
More literally: The mind is to be indulged and leisure is to be given now and again.
Details
Indulgendus/indulgenda/
indulgendum
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be indulged) of indulgeō, indulgēre, indulsī, indultum (2): to be kind or lenient to; indulge (takes a dative object). Est: it is (indulgendum est
is the impersonal passive periphrastic: indulging must happen, one/you/we must indulge). Animō
is the dative singular form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul. Dandus/danda/
dandumque
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be given) of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give, offer (the enclitic conjunction –
que
adds the meaning
and). (Est
is implied from the previous part; dandum est
is still the passive periphrastic, but this time not impersonal since it has the subject
ōtium.)
Subinde
(adv.): immediately or shortly afterward, forthwith, thereupon; repeatedly, now and again, at (more or less frequent) intervals. Ōtium, ōtiī (2n): leisure.
Tam
Tam (adv.): so, so much, to such an extent; as, as much.
Quidtammultaconquiritis? —Seneca, Consolation to Helvia 10.7
Translation
Why do you search for so many things?
Details
Quid
(interrog. adv.): why? Tam
(adv.): so, so much, to such an extent; as, as much. Multa
is the neuter accusative plural form of multus/multa/multum (1/2): much, many (many things). Conquīritis
is the second person plural form of conquīrō, conquīrere, conquīsīvī/conquīsiī, conquīsītum (3): to seek out and collect, search for, hunt out; investigate.
The English word such sometimes makes for a good (non-literal) translation, as in the example below. Things so petty = such petty things.
(Her
refers to wisdom.)
Quid
(interrog. adv.): why? Illī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she it. Tam
(adv.): so, so much, to such an extent; as, as much. Parvola
is the neuter accusative plural form of parvolus/parvola/parvolum (1/2—also
parvulus): (very) small, tiny; petty, unimportant. Adsignās
is the second person singular form of adsignō, adsignāre, adsignāvī, adsignātum (1—also
assignō): to assign.
Tam is often paired with quam to mean as. . . as. See quam for examples.
Tamen
Tamen (adv.): nevertheless, yet, still.
Referttamenquo modo. —Cicero, On the Ends of Good and Evil 2.97
Translation
Still it makes a difference how (they die).
Details
Rēfert, rēferre, rētulit, — (3, irreg. , impers.): it matters, it is important, it makes a difference. Tamen
(adv.): nevertheless, yet, still. Quō modo
(interrog. adv. —also
quōmodo): how? in what way?
“But,” you reply, “who can maintain this standard?” Very few, to be sure; but there are some.
More literally: “Who will perform this?” Few, yet some.
Details
(He’s talking about being perfectly consistent.)
Quis
/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Hoc
is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Praestābit
is the third person singular future form of praestō, praestāre, praestitī/praestāvī, praestātum/praestitum (1): to excel, be better or best; make available, supply; fulfill, discharge, perform. Paucī
is the masculine nominative plural form of paucus/pauca/paucum (1/2): few. Aliquī
is the masculine nominative plural form of
aliquis/aliqua/aliquid (pron.): someone, something (in. pl. some people, some things). Tamen
(adv.): nevertheless, yet, still.
Tamen is often combined with a concessive clause (i.e., a subordinate clause starting with a word that means although or the like, such as cum, quamquam, quamvīs, licet). E. g. , cum pauper sit, beātus tamen est = though he is poor, he is happy (nevertheless).
Though he be master of the whole world, he is unhappy nevertheless.
Details
(He’s quoting Epicurus: if someone doesn’t feel that what he has is enough, then it doesn’t matter if he rules the world. . .)
Licet, licēre, licuit/licitum est (2): it is allowed, it is permitted, it is possible (impersonal; it may be accompanied by a subjunctive verb describing what is allowed); (as a conjunction, usually with the subjunctive) though, even if. Tōtīus
is the m/f/n genitive singular form of tōtus/tōta/tōtum (1/2, irreg.): whole, entire, all. Mundus, mundī
(2m): universe; world. Dominus, dominī (2m): master, lord, ruler. Sit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Tamen
(adv.): nevertheless, yet, still. Miser
/misera/miserum (1/2): wretched, unfortunate, miserable, unhappy. Est: he is.
Tamquam
Tamquam (conj. —also tanquam): as, just as, like; as if; as it were, what I might call. Tam+ quam.
(I am wont to cross over even into the enemy’s camp,) not as a deserter, but as a scout.
Details
(Describing why he studies Epicurus.)
Nōn: not. Tamquam
(conj.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were, what I might call. Trānsfuga, trānsfugae (1m): deserter; one who runs over to the enemy. Sed
(conj.): but. Explōrātor, explōrātōris (3m): scout, spy.
More literally: Not as a pilot, but as one traveling by sea does it do (him) harm.
Details
(He’s talking about a storm, and saying it does no discredit to the pilot of a ship since he can’t control it.)
Nōn: not. Gubernātōrī
is the dative singular form of gubernātor, gubernātōris (3m): helmsman, pilot of a boat; leader, governor. Sed
(conj.): but. Tamquam
(conj.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were, what I might call. Nāvigantī
is the m/f/n (here m) dative singular form of nāvigāns, nāvigantis (3), the present active participle (traveling by sea, sailing) of nāvigō, nāvigāre, nāvigāvī, nāvigātum (1): to sail, travel by sea. Nocet
is the third person singular form of noceō, nocēre, nocuī, nocitum (2): to do harm, injure, harm, hurt (takes a dative object).
Orbis, orbis (3m): anything round or spherical: circle, disk, sphere, globe, etc. ; earth, world. Vertitur
is the third person singular passive form of vertō, vertere, vertī, versum (3): to turn, turn around; reverse. Tamquam
(conj.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were, what I might call. Mola, molae (1f): millstone.
Formamquidemipsamettamquamfaciemhonestivides. —Cicero, On Duties 1.15
Translation
You see here the very form and as it were the face of moral goodness.
Details
Fōrmam
is the accusative singular form of fōrma, fōrmae (1f): form, shape. Quidem
(particle): at any rate; indeed, certainly, in fact. Ipsam
is the feminine accusative singular form of ipse/ipsa/ipsum (adj.): himself/herself/itself etc. ; in person; the very. Et
(conj.): and. Tamquam
(conj.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were, what I might call. Faciem
is the accusative singular form of faciēs, faciēī (5f): face. Honestum, honestī
(2n): that which is honorable, moral goodness, rectitude. Vidēs
is the second person singular form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see.
In the meaning as if X were doing Y, tamquam takes a subjunctive verb; e. g. , habeam in the first illustration below. It can also be followed by a participle, like āmissūrus in that same quote—but compare the literal translation.
For I have had them as if I should one day lose them; I have lost them as if I have them still.
More literally: For I had them as if about to lose them; I have lost (them) as if I have them.
Details
(Explaining how he bears it when friends die.)
Habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Enim
(particle): for; indeed. Illōs
is the masculine accusative plural form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it (those, them). Tamquam
(conj.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were, what I might call (in the meaning
as if, it’s often followed by a subjunctive verb). Āmissūrus
/āmissūra/āmissūrum (1/2) is the future active participle (about to lose) of āmittō, āmittere, āmīsī, āmissum (3): to lose; let go. Āmittō, āmittere, āmīsī, āmissum (3): to lose; let go. Habeam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have.
Live with humans as if God were watching; speak with God as if humans were listening.
More literally: Thus live with people as if God would watch, thus speak with God as if people would hear.
Details
Sīc
(adv.): thus, so, in such manner. Vīve
is the singular imperative form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live. Cum
(prep.): with (takes ablative). Hominibus
is the ablative plural form of homō, hominis (3m): man, human. Tamquam
(conj.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were, what I might call (in the meaning
as if, it’s often followed by a subjunctive verb). Deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god. Videat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Loquere
is the singular imperative form of loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak. Deō
is the ablative singular form of deus, deī (2m, irreg.): god. Hominēs
is the nominative plural form of homō, hominis (3m): man, human. . Audiant
is the third person plural subjunctive form of audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear; listen (to).
Tandem
Tandem (adv.): at last, at length, finally, eventually, in the end; it can also convey impatience in a question or command—suggesting really or I ask you.
Tandemliber, tandemtutus, tandemaeternusest. —Seneca, Consolation to Polybius 9.7
Translation
At last he is free, at last safe, at last immortal.
Details
Tandem
(adv.): at last, at length, finally, eventually, in the end. Līber
/lībera/līberum (1/2): free. Tūtus
/tūta/tūtum (1/2): safe, secure, protected. Aeternus
/aeterna/aeternum (1/2): eternal; permanent. Est: he is.
(All things are possible with enough skill and labor.)
Quid
is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Tandem
(adv.): at last, at length, finally, eventually, in the end; it can also convey impatience in a question or command—suggesting
really
or
I ask you. Nōn: not. Efficiant
is the third person plural subjunctive form of efficiō, efficere, effēcī, effectum (3, –iō): to make; produce; bring about, cause; carry out, execute, accomplish, fulfill. Manūs
is the nominative plural form of manus, manūs (4f): hand.
Quaesunttandemistamysteria? —Cicero, Lucullus 60
Translation
What really are these holy secrets of yours?
Details
Quae
is the neuter nominative plural form of quī/quae/quod (interrog. pron.): which (one)? what? Sunt: (they) are. Tandem
(adv.): at last, at length, finally, eventually, in the end; it can also convey impatience in a question or command—suggesting
really
or
I ask you. Ista
is the neuter nominative plural form of iste/ista/istud (pron.): that (of yours); he, she, it. Mystēria
is the nominative plural form of mystērium, mystēriī (2n): (divine) mystery, secret religious rite; secret.
Tantum
Tantum (adv.): so much; as much; only; tantum, tantī (pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much. These are special uses of the neuter singular form of the adjective tantus/tanta/tantum (1/2): so great, so much; as great, as much.
Tantum is often paired with quantum, as shown both in some of the illustrations below and in the quantum entry.
As an adverb, tantum can mean so much, to such an extent or as much, or to an equal extent.
If you walked at the rate you talk, you’d be at the forum already.
More literally: If you walked as much as you talk. . .
Details
Sī
(conj.): if. Graderēre
is the second person singular imperfect subjunctive form of gradior, gradī, gressus sum (3, –ior, deponent): to step, walk. Tantum
(adv.): so much; as much; only. Quantum
(rel. adv.): as much as. Loquere
(an alternative to
loqueris) is the second person singular form of loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, talk. Iam
(adv.): already; now; soon. Essēs
is the second person singular imperfect subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be. Ad
(prep.): to, toward; at (takes the accusative). Forum
is the accusative singular form of forum, forī (2n): forum, marketplace. (Graderēre
and
essēs
are imperfect subjunctive because they’re in a present contrary-to-fact conditional.)
Tantumamicumdilexit, ut, cumnihilposset, tamenveniret. —Servius, Commentary on Virgil 9.428
Translation
He loved his friend so much that, though he could do nothing, he came nevertheless.
Details
Tantum
(adv.): so much; as much; only. Amīcum
is the accusative singular form of amīcus, amīcī (2m): friend. Dīlēxit
is the third person singular perfect form of dīligō, dīligere, dīlēxī, dīlēctum (3): to prize, love. Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Cum
(conj.): when; since; while; although. Nihil
(n, indeclinable, singular only, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Posset
is the third person singular imperfect subjunctive form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can; (with a neuter pronoun or word of amount like
nihil
as object) have (a specified amount of) power, be capable of, be able to do (subjunctive because it’s in a concessive
cum
clause). Tamen
(adv.): nevertheless, yet, still. Venīret
is the third person singular imperfect subjunctive form of veniō, venīre, vēnī, ventum (4): to come.
But it often just means only (from the idea of so much and no more).
Tempustantumnostrumest. —Seneca, Epistles 1.3
Translation
Only time is ours.
(Chicago:) Time alone is ours.
Details
Tantum
(adv.): so much; as much; only. Tempus, temporis (3n): time. Noster/nostra/
nostrum
(1/2): our, ours. Est: is.
Non tantum. . . sed/vērum (etiam) = not only. . . but (also).
(Chicago:) Not only is there very little left at the bottom of the jar, but its quality is the worst.
More literally: For on the bottom remains not only very little, but the worst.
Details
(So don’t wait until the end of life to make the most of it.)
Nōn: not. Enim
(particle): for; indeed. Tantum
(adv.): so much; as much; only. Minimus/minima/
minimum
(1/2): very small/smallest, very little/least—the superlative form of parvus/parva/parvum (1/2): small, little. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Īmō
is the m/n ablative singular form of īmus/īma/īmum (1/2): lowest, bottommost; deepest—the superlative form of īnferus/īnfera/īnferum (1/2): situated below; the neuter
īmum
is used substantively to mean the bottom. Sed
(conj.): but. Pessimus/pessima/
pessimum
(1/2): very bad/worst—the superlative form of malus/mala/malum (1/2): bad. Remanet
is the third person singular form of remaneō, remanēre, remānsī, remānsum (2): to remain.
He is truly great who not only has given himself the order to die, but has also found the means.
More literally: That man is great who has not only commanded but has devised a death for himself.
Details
Ille
/illa/illum (pron.): that; he, she, it. Vir, virī (2m): man. Magnus
/magna/magnum (1/2): great, large; important. Est: is. Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Mortem
is the accusative singular form of mors, mortis (3f): death. Sibi: (to/for) himself—the dative form of the reflexive pronoun. Nōn: not. Tantum
(adv.): so much; as much; only. Imperāvit
is the third person singular perfect form of imperō, imperāre, imperāvī, imperātum (1): to command; rule, govern. Sed
(conj.): but. Invēnit
is the third person singular perfect form of inveniō, invenīre, invēnī, inventum (4): to find; invent, devise.
As a pronoun, tantum, tantī means such an amount, so great an amount, so much or as great an amount, as much. It’s always singular and neuter (tantī is the genitive form).
Tantumtibipraestandumestquantumpromisisti. —Seneca, Consolation to Polybius 6.3
Translation
You must make good all that of which you have given promise.
More literally: As much is to be performed by you as you have promised (you must perform as much as you’ve promised).
Details
Tantum, tantī (pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much. Tibi: to/for you; with the gerundive, by you—the dative form of tū: you. Praestandus/praestanda/
praestandum
(1/2) is the gerundive (to be performed) of praestō, praestāre, praestitī/praestāvī, praestātum/praestitum (1): to excel, be better or best; offer, furnish, provide; fulfill, perform. Est: is (praestandum est
is the passive periphrastic: you must perform). Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (rel. pron.): as great an amount as, as much as. Prōmīsistī
is the second person singular perfect form of prōmittō, prōmittere, prōmīsī, prōmissum (3): to send forth; let (the hair or beard) grow long; promise, assure.
In tantum means to such an extent, so much (compare in quantum in the quantum entry).
More literally: Wickedness had not yet risen to such an extent.
Details
Nōndum
(adv.): not yet. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Tantum
is the accusative form of tantum, tantī (pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much. Nēquitia, nēquitiae (1f): moral badness, vileness, wickedness. Surrēxerat
is the third person singular pluperfect form of surgō, surgere, surrēxī, surrēctum (3): to rise, get up, arise.
Sometimes tantum means this much and no more. Thus tantum est can mean idiomatically that is all.
Tantumst, nihilopluspeto. —Plautus, The Ghost 631
Translation
That is all, I ask for no more.
More literally: There is so much (and no more), I ask more by nothing.
Details
Tantumst, tantī (pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much (tantumst
is a contraction of tantum and est). Nihilō
is the ablative singular form of nihilum, nihilī (2n): nothing. Plūs
is the accusative singular form of plus, plūris (3n): a larger amount, more. Petō, petere, petīvī/petiī, petītum (3): to direct one’s course to, make for; aim at; go for, attack; seek; ask.
The genitive tantī is used as a genitive of value/price.
Tantiemiturvoluptasaliena. —Pliny the Elder, Natural History 13.20
Translation
All that money is paid for a pleasure enjoyed by somebody else.
More literally: Pleasure belonging to another is bought for so much.
Details
(He’s talking about money spent on perfumes; the person who wears it soon becomes unable to smell it.) Tantum, tantī
(pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much. Emitur
is the third person singular passive form of emō, emere, ēmī, ēmptum (3): to buy. Voluptās, voluptātis (3f): pleasure. Aliēnus/
aliēna
/aliēnum (1/2): belonging to another or others; unfamiliar.
Tantī esse can mean idiomatically to be worth it —be worth the while, be worth the trouble or sacrifice, etc.
Some objects are superfluous; others are not worth the price we pay for them.
More literally: Some things are superfluous, others are not of so much (value).
Details
Quaedam
is the neuter nominative plural form of quīdam/quaedam/quiddam (pron.): someone, something; (in pl.) some people, some things. Supervacua
is the neuter nominative plural form of supervacuus/supervacua/supervacuum (1/2): superfluous, unnecessary. Sunt: (they) are. Tantum, tantī
(pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much. Nōn: not.
The ablative tantō is mostly used as an ablative of degree of difference—meaning (by) so much, (by) as much, by such a degree —with comparatives and other words that imply a comparison. E. g. , tantō maior = so much better; tantō ante = so much/long before. It’s often paired with quantō; see the quantum entry for examples.
In the nominative and accusative, tantum can be combined with a partitive genitive to mean so/as much of something, such an amount of something. The genitive is always required even if of isn’t necessary in English. For example, so much water is tantum aquae, not tantum aqua —though you could say tanta aqua using the adjective tantus/tanta/tantum. Tantum + the partitive genitive doesn’t usually occur in cases other than the nominative and accusative. To express the same idea in the genitive, dative or ablative, the adjective just mentioned (tantus/tanta/tantum), in agreement with the noun, is preferred; e. g. , with so much water = tantā aquā.
Tantumreligiopotuitsuaderemalorum. —Lucretius, On the Nature of Things 1.101
Translation
Such heinous acts could superstition prompt.
More literally: So much of evils religion has been able to persuade (people to do).
Details
(He’s referring to a Greek myth in which Agamemnon sacrifices his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease Artemis. Voltaire described it as a “beautiful line” that “will last as long as the world lasts.” He sent it to Frederick II of Prussia in arguing for secularism.)
Tantum
is the accusative form of tantum, tantī (pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much. Religiō, religiōnis (3f): religious awe, religious conscience or religious feeling; religious observance; a state of impediment or prohibition brought about by religious considerations; religion; sanctity; superstition; conscientiousness. Potuit
is the third person singular perfect form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Suādeō, suādēre, suāsī, suāsum (2): to recommend, advise, urge; persuade; prompt (the person advised or persuaded etc. goes in the dative, but the thing being persuaded goes in the accusative—here
tantum
with the partitive genitive
malōrum). Malōrum
is the genitive plural form of malum, malī (2n): evil; any bad thing such as a misfortune, disease, misdeed, etc.
You have as serious a business on hand as a physician has during a plague.
More literally: You have as much (of) work as a physician in a plague.
Details
Tantum
is the accusative form of tantum, tantī (pron.): such an amount, so great an amount, so much; as great an amount, as much. Negōtium, negōtiī
(2n): occupation, work, business, affair; official transaction. Habēs
is the second person singular form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have. Quantum
is the accusative form of quantum, quantī (rel. pron.): as great an amount, as much as. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Pestilentiā
is the ablative singular form of pestilentia, pestilentiae (1f): infectious disease, plague. Medicus, medicī (2m): doctor, physician.
Tum
Tum (adv.): then, at that time or moment.
Tumdiscorserat. —Livy, History of Rome 21.31.6
Translation
At that time there was internal strife.
More literally: At that time it was discordant/in conflict (within itself).
Details
(Talking about a people—gēns, gentis (3f).)
Tum
(adv.): then, at that time or moment. Discors, discordis (3, adj.): discordant, disagreeing, in conflict. Erat
is the third person singular imperfect form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be.
Tum can be paired with the conjunction cum: literally when. . . then or then. . . when; i.e., back at the time when, at the moment when, precisely when, specifically when, when. . . and at no other time, or the like (simply saying when may suffice as a translation in some contexts).
Cumvidebis, tumscies. —Plautus, Bacchides 145
Translation
When you see her, then you’ll know.
Details
Cum
(conj.): when; since; while; although. Vidēbis
is the second person singular future form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see. Tum
(adv.): then, at that time or moment. Sciēs
is the second person singular future form of sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know.
Tumdecuit, cumsceptradabas. —Virgil, Aeneid 4.597
Translation
Then was the time, when you gave your crown away.
More literally: Then it was fitting, when you gave (your) scepter(s).
Details
Tum
(adv.): then, at that time or moment. Decuit
is the third person singular perfect form of decet, decēre, decuit, — (2, third person only): to be fitting, suitable, proper or becoming; suit, befit, beseem. Cum
(conj.): when; since; while; although. Scēptra
is the accusative plural form of scēptrum, scēptrī (2n): royal staff, scepter; (by metonymy) kingdom, power, authority (the plural is used poetically for the singular). Dabās
is the second person singular imperfect form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give.
See cum for another meaning that cum. . . tum can have.
Tum. . . tum can mean at one moment. . . at another.
Now this seems to me more probable, now that does.
More literally: At one moment this seems more probable, at another that does.
Details
Tum
(adv.): then, at that time or moment (tum. . . tum = at one moment. . . at another). Hic/haec/
hoc
(pron.): this; he, she, it. Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I. Probābilius: more probable—the comparative form of probābilis/probābilis/probābile (3): acceptable; commendable; probable. Tum
(adv.): at another. Ille/illa/
illud
(pron.): that; he, she, it; the former. Vidētur
is the third person singular passive form of videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see; (in the passive) seem.
Sometimes tum. . . tum can also mean both. . . and (like cum. . . tum; see cum).
Tunc
Tunc (adv.): then, at that time or moment. (Very similar to tum —perhaps indistinguishable, with tunc a more emphatic version derived from tum.)
Tuncenimpotentiorest. —Seneca, On Anger 1.8.7
Translation
(Chicago:) (People are reasonable when their anger is dissipating, not when it’s on the boil.) For then it’s stronger.
Details
(Anger = īra, īrae (1f).)
Tunc
(adv.): then, at that time or moment. Enim
(particle): for; indeed. Potentior/
potentior
/potentius (3): more powerful, mightier—the comparative form of potēns, potentis (3, adj.): mighty, powerful. Est: it is.
Eatuncaedescremabatur. —Tacitus, Histories 3.72
Translation
This was the temple that then was burned.
More literally: This temple was then being burned.
Details
Is/
ea
/id (adj.): this, that. Tunc
(adv.): then, at that time or moment. Aedēs, aedis (3f—also
aedis): temple; (in the plural, with singular translation) house. Cremābātur
is the third person singular imperfect passive form of cremō, cremāre, cremāvī, cremātum (1): to burn to ashes.
Like tum, the word tunc can be paired with cum for emphasis (precisely when, etc. ; see tum).
More literally: Counsel is always lacking then (i.e., precisely at the time) when there most is need.
Details
Semper
(adv.): always. Cōnsilium, cōnsiliī (2n): counsel; plan. Tunc
(adv.): then, at that time or moment. Dēest
is the third person singular form of dēsum, dēesse/dēsse, dēfuī, dēfutūrus (irreg.): to be lacking, be missing. Cum
(conj.): when; since; while; although. Opus, operis (3n): work; need. Est: there is. Maximē
(adv.): most; very much; especially.
Occasionally tunc. . . tunc means at one moment. . . at another (like tum. . . tum, which is more common; see tum).
Ubi
Ubi (interrog. and rel. adv. ; the i is sometimes long.): where; when. Ubi is about location in a place (where = in what place). Compare quō, which denotes motion toward a place (where = to what place).
As an interrogative adverb, ubi means where? in what place?
Quidloquor, autubisum? —Virgil, Aeneid 4.595
Translation
What am I saying, or where am I?
Details
(What madness turns my brain?)
Quid
is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Loquor, loquī, locūtus sum (3, deponent): to speak, say, tell, talk. Aut
(conj.): or. Ubi
(interrog. adv.): where? Sum: I am.
Rogabismeubisit: vivit. —Plautus, Bacchides 188
Translation
You’ll ask me where he is. He’s alive.
Details
Rogābis
is the second person singular future form of rogō, rogāre, rogāvī, rogātum (1): to ask (for), beg (for), request. Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I. Ubi
(interrog. adv.): where? Sit
is is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Vīvit
is the third person singular form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
As a relative adverb, ubi primarily means where.
UbituGaiusibiegoGaia. —Roman saying
Translation
Where you are Gaius, there I am Gaia.
Details
(The customary form of wedding-day pronouncement by a Roman woman upon entering the marital home.)
Ubi
(rel. adv.): where; when. Tū: you. Gāius, Gāiī (2m). Ibi
(adv.): there. Ego: I. Gāia, Gāiae (1f). (The verb is implied.)
Ubi
(rel. adv.): where; when. Helena, Helenae (1f): Helen. Est: is. Troiam
is the accusative singular form of Troia, Troiae (1f): Troy. Putā
is the singular imperative form of putō, putāre, putāvī, putātum (1): to suppose, think, consider.
By extension, ubi can also mean when (location in time or circumstance). Ubi in the sense when occurs only as a relative; it isn’t used in questions (when in a question is quandō).
More literal: When that woman heard this, her mind is full of fear.
Details
Hoc
is the neuter accusative singular form of hic/haec/hoc (pron.): this; he, she, it. Ille/
illa
/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Ubi
(rel. adv.): where; when. Audīvit
is the third person singular perfect form of audiō, audīre, audīvī/audiī, audītum (4): to hear. Animus, animī (2m): mind, soul. Compavēscit
is the third person singular form of compavēscō, conpavēscere, —, — (3): to become full of fear, be terrified (it’s in the historical present).
Tantaanimorumimbecillitasest, ubiratiodiscessit. —Seneca, On the Firmness of the Wise Man 17.1
Translation
(Chicago:) So great is the weakness of our minds, when reason has departed.
Details
Tantus/
tanta
/tantum (1/2): so great, so much. Animōrum
is the genitive plural form of animus, animī (2m): mind, soul, spirit. Imbēcillitās, imbēcillitātis (3f): weakness, feebleness, impotence. Est: is. Ubi
(rel. adv.): where; when. Ratiō, ratiōnis (3f): reason; method; calculation. Discessit
is the third person singular perfect form of discēdō, discēdere, discessī, discessum (3): to part company; leave; depart.
Nemoirasciturubivitiumnaturadefendit. —Seneca, On Anger 2.10.6
Translation
No one becomes angry when nature defends the vice.
Details
(He’s explaining why the sage doesn’t get angry with the unwise: nature produces so many of them.)
Nēmō, nēminis (3m): no one. Īrāscitur
is the third person singular form of īrāscor, īrāscī, īrātus sum (3, deponent): to be or become angry. Ubi
(rel. adv.): where; when. Vitium
is the accusative singular form of vitium, vitiī (2n): vice, fault. Nātūra, nātūrae (1f): nature. Dēfendit
is the third person singular form of dēfendō, dēfendere, dēfendī, dēfēnsum (3): to defend.
Ubi prīmum often means as soon as.
Ubiprimuminluxit, abiresinecertaminecupiunt. —Livy, History of Rome 10.35.4
Translation
As soon as it grew light, they wished to depart without a battle.
Details
Ubi
(rel. adv.): where; when. Prīmum
(adv.): first (ubi prīmum = as soon as). Inlūxit
is the third person singular perfect form of inlūcēscō, inlūcēscere, inlūxī, — (3—also
illūcēscō): to begin to grow light, begin to shine, dawn. Abeō, abīre, abiī, abitum (irreg.): to go away, depart; disappear, vanish; be transformed (into). Sine
(prep.): without (takes the ablative). Certāmine
is the ablative singular form of certāmen, certāminis (3n): contest, struggle, fight, battle. Cupiunt
is the third person plural form of cupiō, cupere, cupīvī/cupiī, cupītum (3, –iō): to desire, wish for, want (it’s in the historical present).
Nil
querimurultra. —Anonymous, Hercules on Mount Oeta 1479
Translation
I make no further protest.
More literally: We complain nothing further.
Details
Nīl
(contraction of
nihil; n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Querimur
is the first person plural form of queror, querī, questus sum (3, deponent): to complain (first person plural used for the first person singular). Ultrā
(adv.): beyond, farther; further, besides.
Nonlicuitultrafugere. —Seneca, Phaedra 1080
Translation
Further flight was impossible.
More literally: It was not permitted to flee further.
Details
Nōn: not. Licet, licēre, licuit
/licitum est (2): it is allowed, it is permitted (impersonal; appears mostly in the third person singular). Ultrā
(adv.): beyond, farther; further, besides. Fugiō, fugere, fūgī, fugitūrus (3, –iō): to flee, run away.
There is no man whose first beginning does not transcend memory.
More literally: The origin of no man does not lie beyond memory.
Details
Nūllīus
is the m/f/n (here m) genitive singular form of nūllus/nūlla/nūllum (1/2, irreg.): no, not any—used substantively in the masculine singular: no one. Nōn: not. Orīgō, orīginis (3f): origin, source, birth. Ultrā
(prep.): beyond (takes accusative). Memoriam
is the accusative singular form of memoria, memoriae (1f): memory. Iacet
is the third person singular form of iaceō, iacēre, iacuī, iacitum (2): to lie (in a certain place or state), be in a recumbent position.
More literally: The guess turned out for him beyond (his) hope.
Details
Ultrā
(prep.): beyond (takes accusative). Spem
is the accusative singular form of spēs, speī (5f): hope. Illī
is the m/f/n dative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it. Coniectūra, coniectūrae (1f): guess, conjecture, inference; forecast, prophecy. Prōcessit
is the third person singular perfect form of prōcēdō, prōcēdere, prōcessī, prōcessum (3): to advance, proceed, progress; appear, arise; turn out, result, succeed.
Umquam
Umquam (adv. —also unquam): ever—in the sense at any timeat all in negative statements, in questions, in conditionals, and the like: I haven’t ever. . . who has ever. . . ? if I ever. . . (Ever in the sense always would be semper.)
Nihilumquamtibidicam. —Seneca, On Anger 2.29.4
Translation
I shall never tell you anything.
More literally: Nothing will I ever say to you.
Details
Nihil
(n, indeclinable, nom. or acc. only—here acc.): nothing. Umquam
(adv.): ever. Tibi
is the dative form of tū: you. Dīcam
is the first person singular future form of dīcō, dīcere, dīxī, dictum (3): to say.
Nonpoteritumquamessesecurus. —Seneca, On the Firmness of the Wise Man 13.5
Translation
He could never be unconcerned.
More literally: He will not ever be able to to be unconcerned.
Details
(If he worries about insults; that’s why the sage doesn’t.)
Nōn: not. Poterit
is the third person singular future form of possum, posse, potuī, — (irreg.): to be able, can. Umquam
(adv.): ever. . Esse: to be. Sēcūrus
/sēcūra/sēcūrum (1/2): free from worry, untroubled; secure; confident; careless, negligent.
More literally: Give effort so that you not ever do anything unwilling.
Details
Dā
is the singular imperative form of dō, dare, dedī, datum (1, irreg.): to give. Operam
is the accusative singular form of opera, operae (1f): work, effort (dare operam
is an idiom: to give attention, make an effort, take pains). Nē
(conj. , with subjunctive): lest, that not, so that not. Quid
is the neuter accusative singular form of quis/qua/quid (indef. pron.): anyone, anything; someone, something (after
sī, nisi, num
and
nē
and in a few other contexts, the prefix
ali
– in
aliquis
goes away, but the word retains its indefinite meaning). Umquam
(adv.): ever. Invītus
/invīta/invītum (1/2): unwilling, acting against one’s will. Faciās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make (subjunctive because it’s in a negative purpose clause introduced by
nē).
Unde
Unde (interrog. and rel. adv.): whence, from where, from which, from whom, from what/which source or cause (or fact, circumstance, etc.).
As an interrogative adverb.
Undees? —Plautus, Truculentus 604
Translation
Where are you from?
Details
Unde
(interrog. adv.): whence? from where? from which? from whom? from what source/cause/fact/circumstance? Es: are you.
Undescio? —Seneca the Elder, Controversies 10.2.5
Translation
How do I know?
More literally: From where (from what source) do I know?
Details
Unde
(interrog. adv.): whence? from where? from which? from whom? from what source/cause/fact/circumstance? Sciō, scīre, scīvī/sciī, scītum (4): to know.
Undeadcognosciturbonum? —Seneca, Epistles 118.12
Translation
How, then, can the Good be recognized?
More literally: The good is recognized from what fact?
Details
Unde
(interrog. adv.): whence? from where? from which? from whom? from what source/cause/fact/circumstance? Adcognōscitur
is the third person singular passive form of adcognōscō, adcognōscere, —, — (3—also
accognōscō): to recognize. Bonum, bonī (2n): a good thing or that which is good, a good or the good.
Quisproduxit? Appius. Unde? abAppio. —Cicero, In Defense of Milo 59
Translation
Who has brought them forward? Appius. From whom were they procured? From Appius.
More literally: Who has brought (them) forward? Appius. From what source? From Appius.
Details
Quis
/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Prōdūxit
is the third person singular perfect form of prōdūcō, prōdūcere, prōdūxī, prōductum (3): to lead, bring forward; beget, produce. Appius
/Appia/Appium (1/2): family name. Unde
(interrog. adv.): whence? from where? from which? from whom? from what source/cause/fact/circumstance? Ab
/ā (prep.): (away) from; by (takes the ablative). Appiō
is the m/n (here m) ablative singular form of the family name Appius/Appia/Appium (1/2).
Where you fall from matters more than where you fall to.
Details
Magis
(adv.): more. Unde
(interrog. adv.): whence? from where? from which? from whom? from what source/cause/fact/circumstance? Cadās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of cadō, cadere, cecidī, cāsum (3): to fall (subjunctive because it’s in an indirect question). Quam
(rel. adv.): than. Quō
(interrog. adv.): where (with motion)? where to? whither? to what place? to what object? to what end? Rēfert, rēferre, rētulit, — (3, irreg. , impers.): it matters, it is important, it makes a difference.
I am reverting to the place I should never have left.
More literally: We are brought back to that place from which it was not proper to depart earlier.
Details
Referimur
is the first person plural passive form of referō, referre, rettulī, relātum (3, irreg.): to bring back; give back; report, register, record (first person plural used for the first person singular). Illūc
(adv.): there (with motion), to that place, thither. Unde
(rel. adv.): whence, from where, from which, from whom, from which source/cause/fact/circumstance. Nōn: not. Decet, decēre, decuit, — (2, third person only): to be fitting, suitable, proper or becoming; suit, befit, beseem. Prius
(adv.): first, earlier, previously. Abeō, abīre, abiī, abitum (irreg.): to go away, depart; disappear, vanish; be transformed (into).
You say, “I wish to acquire something to live on.”
More literally: You say, “I wish to acquire (that) from which I may live.”
Details
(Okay; learn philosophy while you’re doing that.) Parō, parāre, parāvī, parātum (1): to prepare; acquire. Inquis
is the second person singular form of inquam (irreg. and defective): to say. Unde
(rel. adv.): whence, from where, from which, from whom, from which source/cause/fact/circumstance. Vīvam
is the first person singular subjunctive form of vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live (subjunctive because it expresses purpose). Volō, velle, voluī, — (irreg.): to want, wish.
Nequeidundeefficiathabet. —Plautus, The Little Carthaginian 185
Translation
And he doesn’t have the means to settle.
More literally: And he doesn’t have (that) from which he may raise that (sum of money).
Details
Neque
/nec: (conj.) and not, nor; (adv.) neither, not either, not even. Id
is the neuter accusative singular form of is/ea/id (pron.): he, she, it; this, that. Unde
(rel. adv.): whence, from where, from which, from whom, from which source/cause/fact/circumstance. Efficiat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of efficiō, efficere, effēcī, effectum (3, –iō): to make, produce; bring about, cause; accomplish; make up (a number, amount, etc.); raise (money) (subjunctive because it expresses purpose). Habet
is the third person singular form of habeō, habēre, habuī, habitum (2): to have.
Ūsque
Ūsque (adv. and prep.): all the way, right up (to a place, time, condition. . .), right (until); persistently, constantly, continually; completely.
Ūsque is usually an adverb. Its meaning can be completed by a prepositional phrase such as ad + acc. , or by an adverb denoting direction (e. g. , eō, hūc. . .). It can also stand on its own, meaning all the way without further qualification. Or it can be combined with a conjunction such as dum(until).
Usqueadsapientiamvivere. —Seneca, Epistles 93.8
Translation
It is living until you possess wisdom.
More literally: To live all the way to wisdom.
Details
(Answering the question: what is the fullest span of life?)
Ūsque
(adv.): all the way, right up (to), right (until); persistently, constantly, continually. Ad
(prep.): to, toward; (takes the accusative). Sapientiam
is the accusative singular form of sapientia, sapientiae (1f): wisdom. Vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
Just let your thoughts travel, even to this place.
More literally: Send your thoughts all the way here.
Details
(He’s saying that you don’t really need to go to a place to enjoy it.)
Hūc
(adv.): here (as a destination), hither, to this place. Ūsque
(adv.): all the way, right up (to), right (until); persistently, constantly, continually. Cōgitātiōnēs
is the accusative plural form of cōgitātiō, cōgitātiōnis (3f): thinking, thought; plan, project. Tuās
is the feminine accusative plural form of tuus/tua/tuum (1/2): your, yours. Mitte
is the singular imperative form of mittō, mittere, mīsī, missum (3): to send; throw.
Perdormiscinusqueadlucem? —Plautus, The Brothers Menaechmus 928
Translation
Do you sleep through till dawn?
Details
Perdormīscīn
(a contraction of
perdormīscisne; the verb
perdormīscis
is the second person singular form of perdormīscō, perdormīscere, —, — (3): to sleep on; the contracted enclitic interrogative particle –
ne
turns the word into part of a question). Ūsque
(adv.): all the way, right up (to), right (until); persistently, constantly, continually. Ad
(prep.): to (takes the accusative). Lūcem
is the accusative singular form of lūx, lūcis (3f): light; dawn.
Drive out nature with a pitchfork, it will yet come back.
More literally: Should you thrust out nature with a pitchfork, it will nevertheless come back constantly.
Details
Nātūram
is the accusative singular form of nātūra, nātūrae (1f): nature. Expellās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of expellō, expellere, expulī, expulsum (3): to drive out, banish, expel (a type of jussive subjunctive expressing a concession). Furcā
is the ablative singular form of furca, furcae (1f): pitchfork. Tamen
(adv.): nevertheless, yet, still. Ūsque
(adv.): all the way, right up (to), right (until); persistently, constantly, continually. Recurret
is the third person singular future form of recurrō, recurrere, recurrī, recursum (3): to run back; return; revert; recur; have recourse.
Saepiusfacito, usquedumodoremmalumdempseris. —Cato, On Agriculture 110.1
Translation
Repeat more often until you have removed the bad odor.
Details
(Explaining how to remove an odor from wine: put a piece of hot roofing tile into it.)
Saepius
(adv.): more often—the comparative form of saepe (adv.): often. Facitō
is the singular future imperative form of faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make. Ūsque
(adv.): all the way, right up (to), right (until); persistently, constantly, continually. Dum
(conj.): while, as; until; as long as, provided that. Odōrem
is the accusative singular form of odor, odōris (3m): smell, odor. Malum
is the m/n accusative singular form of malus/mala/malum (1/2): bad; evil. Dēmpseris
is the second person singular future perfect form of dēmō, dēmere, dēmpsī, dēmptum (3): to remove, take away.
Ūsque is occasionally used as a preposition with the accusative.
Corporausquepedescarbasovelant. —Quintus Curtius, Histories of Alexander 8.9.21
Translation
They veil their bodies in linen robes as far as the feet.
Details
Corpora
is the accusative plural form of corpus, corporis (3n): body. Ūsque
(more often adv. , but here prep. , with accusative): all the way, right up (to), right (until). Pedēs
is the accusative plural form of pēs, pedis (3m): foot. Carbasō
is the ablative singular form of carbasus, carbasī (2f): linen. Vēlant
is the third person plural form of vēlō, vēlāre, vēlāvī, vēlātum (1): to cover, wrap, veil.
Utique
Utique (adv. ; the length of the i is uncertain): absolutely, at all costs; in any case; certainly; inevitably, necessarily; especially, particularly. (Variant of ut(i) + – que.) Sorry—I’m not sure what I was thinking with my comment here. But can you say something about the meaning of “variant” in that parenthetical?
Utiquecumtuisapudmesis. —Cicero, Letters to Atticus 4.4.1
Translation
Be sure to stay at my house and bring your folks.
More literally: Certainly be at my house with yours.
Details
Utique
(adv.): absolutely, at all costs; in any case; certainly; inevitably, necessarily; especially, particularly. Cum
(prep.): with (takes the ablative). Tuīs
is the m/f/n (here m) ablative plural form of tuus/tua/tuum (1/2): your, yours. Apud
(prep.): at, near; with, among; in front of, in the presence of; at the house of (takes accusative). Mē
is the accusative form of ego: I. Sīs
is the second person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive used as a mild command).
Especially since one thing is advantageous to you and another to me.
Details
(He’s just said that a request for advice his friend has made will take more time to answer than it did to ask.)
Utique
(adv.): absolutely, at all costs; in any case; certainly; inevitably, necessarily; especially, particularly. Cum
(conj.): when; since; while; although. Alius/alia/
aliud
(1/2): another, other; different (aliud. . . aliud = one thing. . . another). Tibi
is the dative form of tū: you. Expediat
is the third person singular subjunctive form of expediō, expedīre, expedīvī/expediī, expedītum (4): to disentangle, extricate; make ready or available; accomplish, achieve; be expedient, convenient, advantageous (subjunctive because it’s in a causal
cum
clause). Alius/alia/
aliud
(1/2): another. Mihi
is the dative form of ego: I.
At any rate, he isn’t one of the walking philosophers.
More literally: In any case, he is not a Peripatic.
Details
(A play on words; he’s talking about a philosopher who held discussions in his carriage.)
Utique
(adv.): absolutely, at all costs; in any case; certainly; inevitably, necessarily; especially, particularly. Peripatēticu/
Peripatētica/Peripatēticum (12): Peripatetic, belonging to the Peripatetic school of philosophy (a borrowing from Greek, where the word literally means
walking about). Nōn: not. Est: he is.
Quiamatnonutiqueamicusest. —Seneca, Epistles 35.1
Translation
One who loves you is not in every case your friend.
More literally: He who loves you is not necessarily a friend.
Details
Quī
/quae/quod (rel. pron.): who, which, that, what. Amat
is the third person singular form of amō, amāre, amāvī, amātum (1): to love. Nōn: not. Utique
(adv.): absolutely, at all costs; in any case; certainly; inevitably, necessarily; especially, particularly. Amīcus, amīcī (2m): friend. Est: is.
Velut
Velut (adv. —also velutī): as, just as, like; as if; as it were. Vel+ ut(ī).
Velutnubeslevistransit. —Seneca, Epistles 80.6
Translation
It passes like a fitful cloud.
Details
(Anxiety.)
Velut
(adv.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were. Nūbēs, nūbis (3f): cloud. Levis/
levis
/leve (3): light; trifling; fickle, fitful. Trānsit
is the third person singular form of trānseō, trānsīre, trānsīvī/trānsiī, trānsitum (irreg.): to go across, pass.
(Chicago:) It should be like the voice of divinity.
More literally: Let it be like a voice divinely sent out.
Details
(Quoting Posidonius on properties of a good law.)
Velut
(adv.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were. Ēmissus/
ēmissa
/ēmissum (1/2) is the perfect passive participle (having been sent out, uttered) of ēmittō, ēmittere, ēmīsī, ēmissum (3): to send out, utter, emit. Dīvīnitus
(adv.): from or by a god or the gods, by divine agency, divinely. Vōx, vōcis (3f): voice; speech; word. Sit
is the third person singular subjunctive form of sum, esse, fuī, futūrus (irreg.): to be (subjunctive because it’s jussive).
At such a time the eyes are loosened, as it were, with joy.
(Chicago:) At that time, the eyes release their tears, just as in joy.
More literally: Then the eyes are loosened as if in joy.
Details
(He’s talking about crying when remembering loved ones who have died.)
Tunc
(adv.): then. Oculī
is the nominative plural form of oculus, oculī (2m): eye. Velut
(adv.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were. In
(prep.): (with abl.) in, on; (with acc.) into. Gaudiō
is the ablative singular form of gaudium, gaudiī (2n): joy. Relaxantur
is the third person plural passive form of relaxō, relaxāre, relaxāvī, relaxātum (1): to loosen; relax; relieve; soften, weaken, mitigate.
(Things near a lightning strike.)
Quaedam
is the neuter nominative plural form of quīdam/quaedam/quiddam (pron.): someone, something; (in pl.) some people, some things. Vērō
(particle): truly, in truth, indeed; but, on the other hand; moreover. Velutī
(adv. —variant of
velut): as, just as, like; as if; as it were. Fūlīgine
is the ablative singular form of fūlīgō, fūlīginis (3f): soot. Colōrantur
is the third person plural passive form of colōrō, colōrāre, colōrāvī, colōrātum (1): to color, dye.
Sometimes velut is combined with a subjunctive verb to mean as if X were doing y.
Achaia and Asia were terrified by a false rumor of Nero’s arrival.
More literally: Achaia and Asia (were) falsely terrified as if Nero were arriving.
Details
Achāia, Achāiae (1f): Achaia, a province in Greece. Atque
/ac (conj.): and. Asia, Asiae (1f): Asia (Roman province). Falsō
(adv.): falsely, wrongly, mistakenly. Exterritae
is the feminine nominative plural form of exterritus/exterrita/exterritum (1/2), the perfect passive participle (frightened, terrified) of exterreō, exterrēre, exterruī, exterritum (2): to frighten, terrify, strike with terror (sunt
is implied: exterritae sunt
is the third person feminine plural perfect passive form: they were struck with terror). Velut
(adv.): as, just as, like; as if; as it were. Nerō, Nerōnis (3m): Nero. Adventāret
is the third person singular imperfect subjunctive form of adventō, adventāre, adventāvī, adventātum (1): to approach, draw near, arrive.
Vērō
Vērō (adv. and particle): truly, really, indeed, certainly, to be sure; actually; but, on the other hand, however; and, moreover; for my/your/his/etc. part, as for me/you/him/etc. Vērō is sometimes a “true” adverb meaning truly, really, etc. E. g. , vērō tē video = I really see you. But it’s used more often as a discourse particle to draw attention to a statement, introduce a new argument, or convey a mild contrast. In those usages it never comes first in a clause but usually second, sometimes third. It’s often similar to autem (and, like autem, isn’t always translated directly).
Egoverononfacio. —Seneca, Epistles 57.7
Translation
That is not what I am doing.
More literally: Actually I am not doing (it).
Alteram partem aeris attrahit, alteram vero impellit. —Seneca, Natural Questions 5.10.4
It attracts one part of the atmosphere while repelling another part.
More literally: It attracts one part of the air, and (on the other hand, by contrast) repels the other.
Details
(Beforehand: do you suppose I’m arguing thus-and-so?)
Ego: I. Vērō
(particle): truly, really, indeed, certainly, to be sure; actually; but, on the other hand, however; and, moreover; for my/your/his/etc. part, as for me/you/him/etc. Nōn: not. Faciō, facere, fēcī, factum (3, –iō): to do; make.
(He’s talking about the sun.)
Alteram
is the feminine accusative singular form of alter/altera/alterum (1/2, irreg.): the other; another; one of two (alteram. . . alteram = one. . . the other
(or
another
of two)). Partem
is the accusative singular form of pars, partis (3f): part; function. Āēr, āeris
(3m): air; atmosphere. Attrahit
is the third person singular form of attrahō, attrahere, attrāxī, attractum (3): to draw or pull to oneself, attract. Alteram
is the feminine accusative singular form of alter/altera/alterum (1/2, irreg.): the other. Vērō
(particle): truly, really, indeed, certainly, to be sure; actually; but, on the other hand, however; and, moreover; for my/your/his/etc. part, as for me/you/him/etc. Impellit
is the third person singular form of impellō, impellere, impulī, impulsum (3): to strike against; push, drive forward, propel, impel; drive back, repel.
Estveroita. —Cicero, On Laws 2.7
Translation
That is true.
More literally: It is indeed so.
Details
(Expressions like this are sometimes used for “yes”.)
Est: it is. Vērō
(adv. and particle): truly, really, indeed, certainly, to be sure; actually; but, on the other hand, however; and, moreover; for my/your/his/etc. part, as for me/you/him/etc. Ita
(adv.): so, thus; yes.
Illud
is the neuter accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it; the former. Vērō
(particle): truly, really, indeed, certainly, to be sure; actually; but, on the other hand, however; and, moreover; for my/your/his/etc. part, as for me/you/him/etc. Quis
/quis/quid (interrog. pron.): who? what? Nescit
is the third person singular form of nesciō, nescīre, nescīvī/nesciī, nescītum (4): to not know.
Nuncverotrepidamus. —Seneca, Epistles 22.16
Translation
But as it is, we are afraid.
Details
(Instead of having peace with death in the way we should.)
Nunc
(adv.): now, as it is. Vērō
(particle): truly, really, indeed, certainly, to be sure; actually; but, on the other hand, however; and, moreover; for my/your/his/etc. part, as for me/you/him/etc. Trepidāmus
is the first person plural form of trepidō, trepidāre, trepidāvī, trepidātum (1): to be in a state of panic or trepidation, be afraid, be anxious, be nervous; tremble; to hurry, hasten.
Egoverononvideo. —Quintilian, The Orator’s Education 9.2.43
Translation
For my part, I cannot see.
Details
(Night and thick darkness rise before me. He’s quoting a lost passage from Seneca the Elder.)
Ego: I. Vērō
(particle): truly, really, indeed, certainly, to be sure; actually; but, on the other hand, however; and, moreover; for my/your/his/etc. part, as for me/you/him/etc. Nōn: not. Videō, vidēre, vīdī, vīsum (2): to see.
Vix
Vix (adv.): with difficulty; barely, hardly.
Vixvivo. —Seneca, Epistles 27.8
Translation
(Chicago:) I’m barely alive!
Details
(Words from an anecdote about a sickly person.)
Vix
(adv.): with difficulty; barely, hardly. Vīvō, vīvere, vīxī, vīctum (3): to live.
That you should not mourn at all I hardly dare to insist.
More literally: That, (namely) that you should not mourn, I will hardly dare to demand.
Details
Illud
is the neuter accusative singular form of ille/illa/illud (pron.): that; he, she, it; the former. Ut
(conj. , with subjunctive): that, so that. Nōn: not. Doleās
is the second person singular subjunctive form of doleō, dolēre, doluī, dolitum (2): to suffer; feel pain; grieve, mourn. Vix
(adv.): with difficulty; barely, hardly. Audēbō
is the first person singular future form of audeō, audēre, ausus sum (2, semi-deponent): to dare, risk. #I
will dare% Exigō, exigere, exēgī, exāctum (3): to drive out; enforce payment of; require; demand; inquire into.
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