Latin Phrase-Book

20.Fame—Reputation

gloriam, famam sibi comparare—to gain distinction.

gloriam (immortalem) consequi, adipisci—to win (undying) fame.

gloriae, laudi esse—to confer distinction on a person; to redound to his credit.

laudem afferre—to confer distinction on a person; to redound to his credit.

gloria, laude florere—to be very famous, illustrious.

summa gloria florere—to have reached the highest pinnacle of eminence.

clarum fieri, nobilitari, illustrari (not the post-classical clarescere or inclarescere—to become famous, distinguish oneself.

gloriam colligere, in summam gloriam venire—to become famous, distinguish oneself.

aliquem immortali gloria afficere—to confer undying fame on, immortalise some one.

aliquem sempiternae gloriae commendare—to confer undying fame on, immortalise some one.

immortalitatem consequi, adipisci, sibi parere—to attain eternal renown.

gloria duci—to be guided by ambition.

laudis studio trahi—to be guided by ambition.

laudem, gloriam quaerere—to be guided by ambition.

stimulis gloriae concitari—to be spurred on by ambition.

gloriae, laudis cupiditate incensum esse, flagrare—to be consumed by the fires of ambition.

de gloria, fama alicuius detrahere—to detract from a person's reputation, wilfully underestimate a person.

alicuius gloriae or simply alicui obtrectare—to detract from a person's reputation, wilfully underestimate a person.

alicuius famam, laudem imminuere—to detract from a person's reputation, wilfully underestimate a person.

obscurare alicuius gloriam, laudem, famam[1] (not obscurare aliquem)—to render obscure, eclipse a person.

famae servire, consulere—to have regard for one's good name.

famam ante collectam tueri, conservare—to live up to one's reputation.

bene, male audire (ab aliquo)—to have a good or bad reputation, be spoken well, ill of.

bona, mala existimatio est de aliquo—to have a good or bad reputation, be spoken well, ill of.

famam crudelitatis subire (Catil.4.6.12)—to gain the reputation of cruelty.

infamiam alicui inferre, aspergere—to damage a person's character, bring him into bad odour.

infamem facere aliquem—to damage a person's character, bring him into bad odour.

magnam sui famam relinquere—to leave a great reputation behind one.

opinionem virtutis habere—to have the reputation of virtue.

existimatio[2] hominum, omnium—the common opinion, the general idea.

[1] In the same way, to improve a man, alicuius mores corrigere (not aliquem c.); to understand some one, alicuius orationem or quid dicat intellegere

[2] existimatio has two uses: (1) active—opinion held by others, criticism; (2) passive—reputation, character, usually in a good sense, consequently = good reputation without the addition of bona, integra, etc.

21.Honour—Disgrace—Ignominy

esse in honore apud aliquem—to be honoured, esteemed by some one.

honorem alicui habere, tribuere—to honour, show respect for, a person.

aliquem honore afficere, augere, ornare, prosequi (vid. sect. VI. 11. , note Prosequi...)—to honour, show respect for, a person.

aliquem cupiditate honorum inflammare (or aliquem ad cupiditatem honorum inflammare)—to kindle ambition in some one's mind.

honores concupiscere (opp. aspernari)—to aspire to dignity, high honours.

honoris causa aliquem nominare or appellare—to speak of some one respectfully.

statuam alicui ponere, constituere—to set up a statue in some one's honour.

aliquem colere et observare (Att.2.19)—to pay respect to, be courteous to a person.

aliquem ignominia afficere, notare—to inflict an indignity upon, insult a person.

alicui ignominiam inurere—to inflict an indignity upon, insult a person.

infamiam concipere, subire, sibi conflare—to incur ignominy.

vitae splendori(em) maculas(is) aspergere—to sully one's fair fame.

notam turpitudinis alicui or vitae alicuius inurere—to injure a man's character, tarnish his honour.

ignominiam non ferre—to chafe under an indignity, repudiate it.

maculam (conceptam) delere, eluere—to blot out a reproach.

22.Effort—Industry—Labour—Exertion

studiose (diligenter, enixe, sedulo, maxime) dare operam, ut...—to take great pains in order to...

egregiam operam (multum, plus etc. operae) dare alicui rei—to expend great labour on a thing.

operam alicui rei tribuere, in aliquid conferre—to expend great labour on a thing.

operam (laborem, curam) in or ad aliquid impendere—to expend great labour on a thing.

multum operae ac laboris consumere in aliqua re—to exert oneself very energetically in a matter.

studium, industriam (not diligentiam) collocare, ponere in aliqua re—to apply oneself zealously, diligently to a thing.

incumbere in (ad) aliquid—to be energetic about, throw one's heart into a thing.

opus[1] facere (De Senect.7.24)—to do work (especially agricultural).

opus aggredi—to take a task in hand, engage upon it.

ad opus faciendum accedere—to take a task in hand, engage upon it.

res est multi laboris et sudoris—the matter involves much labour and fatigue.

desudare et elaborare in aliqua re (De Senect.11.38)—to exert oneself very considerably in a matter.

labori, operae non parcere—to spare no pains.

laborem non intermittere—to work without intermission.

nullum tempus a labore intermittere—not to leave off work for an instant.

lucubrare (Liv.1.57)—to work by night, burn the midnight oil.

inanem laborem suscipere—to lose one's labour.

operam (et oleum) perdere or frustra consumere—to lose one's labour.

rem actam or simply actum agere (proverb.) —to have all one's trouble for nothing.

labore supersedēre (itineris) (Fam.4.2.4)—to spare oneself the trouble of the voyage.

patiens laboris—capable of exertion.

fugiens laboris—lazy.

operae pretium est (c. Inf.) —it is worth while.

acti labores iucundi (proverb.) —rest after toil is sweet.

contentionem adhibere—to exert oneself.

omnes nervos[2] in aliqua re contendere—to strain every nerve, do one's utmost in a matter.

omnibus viribusor nervis contendere, ut—to strain every nerve, do one's utmost in a matter.

omni ope atque opera or omni virium contentione eniti, ut—to strain every nerve, do one's utmost in a matter.

contendere et laborare, ut—to strain every nerve, do one's utmost in a matter.

pro viribus eniti et laborare, ut—to strain every nerve, do one's utmost in a matter.

[1] opus always means the concrete work on which one is engaged; labor is the trouble, fatigue, resulting from effort; opera is the voluntary effort, the trouble spent on an object. Thus laborare = not simply to work, but to work energetically, with exertion and consequent fatigue; operari, to be busy with a thing. Terence thus distinguishes opus and opera: quod in opere faciundo operae consumis tuae. Cf. Verg.Aen.1.455 operumque laborem miratur = the trouble with such huge works must have cost.

[2] nervi properly = sinews, muscles, not nerves the existence of which was unknown to the ancients. Metaphorically nervi denotes not only strength in general but also specially—(1) vital power, elasticity, e.g. omnes nervos virtutis elidere (Tusc.2.11.27), incīdere, to paralyse the strength of virtue; (2) motive power, mainspring, essence, of a thing, e.g. vectigalia nervi rei publicae sunt (Imp.Pomp.7.17), nervi belli pecunia (Phil.5.2.15).

23.Business—Leisure—Inactivity—Idleness

negotium suscipere—to undertake an affair.

negotium obire, exsequi—to execute, manage a business, undertaking.

negotium conficere, expedire, transigere—to arrange, settle a matter.

negotia agere, gerere—to be occupied with business, busy.

multis negotiis implicatum, districtum, distentum, obrutum esse—to be involved in many undertakings; to be much occupied, embarrassed, overwhelmed by business-claims.

negotiis vacare—to be free from business.

occupatum esse in aliqua re—to be engaged upon a matter.

intentum esse alicui rei—to be engaged upon a matter.

negotium alicui facessere (Fam.3.10.1)—to give a person trouble, inconvenience him.

magnum negotium est c. Inf. —it is a great undertaking to...

nullo negotio—without any trouble.

otiosum esse—to be at leisure.

in otio esse or vivere—to be at leisure.

otium habere—to be at leisure.

otio frui—to be at leisure.

otio abundare—to have abundance of leisure.

otium sequi, amplexari—to be a lover of ease, leisure.

otiosum tempus consumere in aliqua re—to spend one's leisure hours on an object.

otio abūti[1] or otium ad suum usum transferre—to use up, make full use of one's spare time.

(in) otio languere et hebescere—to grow slack with inactivity, stagnate.

otio diffluere—to grow slack with inactivity, stagnate.

desidiae et languori se dedere—to abandon oneself to inactivity and apathy.

ignaviae[2] et socordiae se dare—to abandon oneself to inactivity and apathy.

per luxum et ignaviam aetatem agere—to pass one's life in luxury and idleness.

[1] abuti properly = to consume, make full use of. From this is developed the rarer meaning to use in excess, abuse = perverse, intemperanter, immoderate uti. Abuse, misuse = pravus usus, vitium male utentium, insolens mos. abusus is only found in the Jurists, and abusio is a technical term of rhetoric = κατάχρησις

[2] The original meaning of ignavia (in-gnavus, cf. navus, navare) is not cowardice but laziness.

24.Pleasure—Recreation

voluptatem ex aliqua re capere or percipere—to derive pleasure from a thing.

voluptate perfundi—to revel in pleasure, be blissfully happy.

voluptatibus frui—to take one's fill of enjoyment.

voluptates haurire—to take one's fill of enjoyment.

se totum voluptatibus dedere, tradere—to devote oneself absolutely to the pursuit of pleasure.

homo voluptarius (Tusc.2.7.18)—a devotee of pleasure; a self-indulgent man.

voluptatis illecebris deleniri—to be led astray, corrupted by the allurements of pleasure.

voluptatis blanditiis corrumpi—to be led astray, corrupted by the allurements of pleasure.

in voluptates se mergere—to plunge into a life of pleasure.

animum a voluptate sevocare—to hold aloof from all amusement.

voluptates (corporis)—sensual pleasure.

voluptatis or animi causa (B.G.5.12)—for one's own diversion; to satisfy a whim.

deliciis diffluere—to wanton in the pleasures of sense.

animum relaxare, reficere, recreare or simply se reficere, se recreare, refici, recreari (ex aliqua re)—to recruit oneself, seek relaxation.

animum or simply se remittere—to indulge oneself.

animo or simply sibi indulgere—to indulge oneself.

VI.The Mind; its Functions

1.Genius—Talent—Intelligence

magno animo esse—to be magnanimous, broad-minded.

animum attendere ad aliquid—to turn one's attention to a thing.

diligenter attendere (aliquid)—to attend carefully.

alias res or aliud agere—to be inattentive.

animo adesse[1]—(1) to be attentive; (2) to keep one's presence of mind.

vir magno ingenio, ingeniosus—a man of ability.

vir magno ingenio praeditus—a man of ability.

ingenio valere—to be talented, gifted.

ingenio abundare—to be very talented.

natura et ingenium—natural gifts.

ingenium acuere—to sharpen the wits.

ingenii acumen—penetration; sagacity.

ingenii tarditas (opp. celeritas)—dulness of intellect.

ingenii infirmitas or imbecillitas—weakmindedness.

mentis compotem esse—to be of sane mind.

mente captum esse, mente alienata esse—to be out of one's mind.

sanae mentis esse—to be of sound mind.

mentis quasi luminibus officere (vid. sect. XIII. 6) or animo caliginem offundere—to obscure the mental vision.

intellegentia or mente multum valere[2]—to possess great ability.

ad intellegentiam communem or popularem accommodare aliquid—to accommodate something to the standard of the popular intelligence.

[1] For the second meaning cf. Cicero, ades animo et omitte timorem, Scipio

[2] captus, in the meaning ability, capacity, only occurs in the phrase ut captus est servorum; while capacitas merely means capacity, content, e.g. vasorum

2.Imagination—Thought

animo, cogitatione aliquid fingere (or simply fingere, but without sibi), informare—to form an idea of a thing, imagine, conceive.

animo concipere aliquid—to form an idea of a thing, imagine, conceive.

animo, cogitatione aliquid praecipere (Off 1.23.81)—to form a conception of a thing beforehand.

cogitatione sibi aliquid depingere—to picture to oneself.

ingenium, cogitatio—imagination.

ingenii vis or celeritas—vivid, lively imagination.

rerum imagines—creatures of the imagination.

res cogitatione fictae or depictae—creatures of the imagination.

opinionum commenta, ineptiae, monstra, portenta—extravagant fictions of fancy.

animo, mente, cogitatione aliquid comprehendere, complecti—to grasp a thing mentally.

in eam cogitationem incidere—to happen to think of...

haec cogitatio subit animum—an idea strikes me.

illud succurrit mihi—an idea strikes me.

mihi in mentem venit alicuius rei—something comes into my mind.

aliquid animo meo obversatur (cf. sect. III, s. v. oculi)—a vague notion presents itself to my mind.

aliquem ad eam cogitationem adducere ut—to induce a person to think that...

alicuius animum ab aliqua re abducere—to draw away some one's attention from a thing.

cogitationem, animum in aliquid intendere (Acad.4.46)—to direct one's attention...

omnes cogitationes ad aliquid conferre—to give all one's attention to a thing.

mentem in aliqua re defigere—to fix all one's thoughts on an object.

in cogitatione defixum esse—to be deep in thought.

cogitationes in res humiles abicere (De Amic.9.32) (Opp. alte spectare, ad altiora tendere, altum, magnificum, divinum suspicere)—to study the commonplace.

3.Conceptions—Ideals—Perfection

notiones animo (menti) insitae, innatae—innate ideas.

intellegentiae adumbratae[1] or incohatae (De Leg.1.22.59)—vague, undeveloped ideas.

notionem or rationem alicuius rei in animo informare or animo concipere—to form a conception, notion of a thing.

absolutus et perfectus—absolutely perfect.

omnibus numeris absolutus (N.D.2.13)—perfect in every detail.

ad summum perducere—to bring to the highest perfection.

perficere et absolvere—to bring to the highest perfection.

ad perfectionem, (ad summum) pervenire—to attain perfection.

absolutio et perfectio (not summa perfectio)—ideal perfection.

cogitatione, non re—ideally, not really.

undique expleta et perfecta forma—an ideal.

species optima or eximia, specimen, also simply species, forma—an ideal.

comprehensam quandam animo speciem (alicuius rei) habere—to have formed an ideal notion of a thing.

singularem quandam perfectionis imaginem animo concipere—to conceive an ideal.

imaginem perfecti oratoris adumbrare—to sketch the ideal of an orator.

civitas optima, perfecta Platonis—Plato's ideal republic.

illa civitas Platonis commenticia—Plato's ideal republic.

illa civitas, quam Plato finxit—Plato's ideal republic.

[1] adumbrare is a technical term of painting = to make a sketch, outline of an object; then metaphorically, to merely hint at a thing. Its opposite is exprimere, technical term of sculpture, =figuratively, to represent exactly, clearly.It never has the simple meaning "to express."

4.Opinion—Prejudice—Conjecture

in sententia manere, permanere, perseverare, perstare—to abide by, persist in one's opinion.

illud, hoc teneo—I abide by this opinion.

a sententia sua discedere—to give up one's opinion.

de sententia sua decedere—to give up one's opinion.

(de) sententia desistere—to give up one's opinion.

de sententia deici, depelli, deterreri—to be forced to change one's mind.

de sententia aliquem deducere, movere—to make a man change his opinion.

aliquem ad suam sententiam perducere or in suam sententiam adducere—to win a man over to one's own way of thinking.

ad alicuius sententiam accedere, sententiam alicuius sequi—to adopt some one's opinion.

idem sentire (opp. dissentire ab aliquo)—to hold the same views.

sententiam suam aperire[1]—to freely express one's opinions.

sententiam fronte celare, tegere—not to betray one's feelings by one's looks.

dic quid sentias[2]—give me your opinion.

in hac sum sententia, ut...putem—I think that...

plura in eam sententiam disputare—to discuss a subject more fully on the same lines.

ut mea fert opinio—according to my opinion.

ut mihi quidem videtur—according to my opinion.

mea (quidem) sententia—according to my opinion.

quot homines, tot sententiae—many men, many minds.

opiniones falsas animo imbibere—to be imbibing false opinions.

opinionibus falsis imbui—to be imbibing false opinions.

opinionis error—erroneous opinion.

opinio praeiudicata, also simply opinio (not praeiudicium = a preliminary decision)—prejudice.

opinio confirmata, inveterata—a rooted opinion.

opinionum pravitate infici—to be filled with absurd prejudices.

opinionum commenta (N.D.2.2.5)—chimeras.

monstra or portenta—marvellous ideas; prodigies.

coniectura assequi, consequi, aliquid coniectura colligere—to conjecture.

quantum ego coniectura assequor, auguror—as far as I can guess.

coniecturam alicuius rei facere or capere ex aliqua re—to infer by comparison, judge one thing by another.

de se (ex se de aliis) coniecturam facere—to judge others by oneself.

aliquid in coniectura positum est—it is a matter of conjecture, supposition.

aliquid coniectura nititur, continetur (Div.1.14.24)—it is a matter of conjecture, supposition.

probabilia coniectura sequi—to try to conjecture probabilities.

aliquid mihi nec opinanti, insperanti accidit—a thing has happened contrary to my expectation.

[1] se aperire = to betray oneself; cf. se indicare (Liv.2.12).

[2] Not sententiam dicere, which is used of senators giving their vote; cf. suffragium ferre

5.Truth—Error

verum dicere, profiteri—to speak the truth, admit the truth.

omnia ad veritatem[1] dicere—to be truthful in all one's statements.

veritatis amans, diligens, studiosus—truthful; veracious.

a vero aversum esse (Catil.3.1.29)—to be averse to truth.

a veritate deflectere, desciscere—to swerve from the truth.

veri videndi, investigandi cupiditas—love of truth.

veri inquisitio atque investigatio—zealous pursuit of truth.

a vero abduci—to be led away from the truth.

proxime ad verum accedere—to be very near the truth.

a vero non abhorrere—to be probable.

veri simile esse—to be probable.

haec speciosiora quam veriora sunt—this is more plausible than true.

vera et falsa (a falsis) diiudicare—to distinguish true and false.

vera cum falsis confundere—to confuse true with false.

veritas—veracity.

re (vera), reapse (opp. specie)—in truth; really.

in errore versari—to be mistaken.

magno errore teneri—to be in gross error, seriously misled.

in magno errore versari—to be in gross error, seriously misled.

vehementer errare—to be in gross error, seriously misled.

erroribus implicari (Tusc.4.27.58)—to fall into error.

per errorem labi, or simply labi—to take a false step.

aliquem in errorem inducere, rapere—to lead a person into error.

errorem animo imbibere—to get a mistaken notion into the mind.

errorem cum lacte nutricis sugere (Tusc.3.1.2)—to imbibe error from one's mother's breasts.

error longe lateque diffusus—a wide-spread error.

errorem tollere—to banish an error, do away with a false impression.

errorem amputare et circumcīdere—to banish an error, do away with a false impression.

errorem stirpitus extrahere—to totally eradicate false principles.

errorem deponere, corrigere—to amend, correct one's mistake.

alicui errorem demere, eripere, extorquere—to undeceive a person.

nisi fallor—if I am not mistaken.

nisi (animus) me fallit—if I am not mistaken.

nisi omnia me fallunt—unless I'm greatly mistaken.

[1] verum = the truth, concrete; veritas = truth in the abstract.

6.Choice—Doubt—Scruple

optionem alicui dare (Acad.2.7.19)—to give a person his choice.

optionem alicui dare, utrum...an—to offer a person the alternative of...or...

in dubium vocare—to throw doubt upon a thing.

in dubio ponere—to throw doubt upon a thing.

in dubium venire—to become doubtful.

quod aliquam (magnam) dubitationem habet (Leg.Agr.1.4.11)—a thing which is rather (very) dubious.

dubitatio mihi affertur, inicitur—a doubt arises in my mind.

dubitationem alicui tollere—to relieve a person of his doubts.

aliquid in medio, in dubio relinquere (Cael.20.48)—to leave a thing undecided.

aliquid dubium, incertum relinquere—to leave a thing undecided.

sine dubio (not sine ullo dubio)—without doubt, beyond all doubt.

sine ulla dubitatione—without any hesitation; without the least scruple.

scrupulum ex animo alicuius evellere (Rosc.Am.2.6)—to relieve a man of his scruple.

unus mihi restat scrupulus (Ter.Andr. 5.4.37) (cf. too religio, sect.XI.2)—one thing still makes me hesitate.

7.Knowledge—Certainty—Persuasion

certo (certe) scio[1] (Arch.12.32)—I know for a fact.

probe scio, non ignoro—I know very well.

non sum ignarus, nescius (not non sum inscius)—I know very well.

me non fugit, praeterit—I am not unaware.

quantum scio—as far as I know.

quod sciam—as far as I know.

hoc (not tantum) certum est—this much is certain.

aliquid compertum habere—to know a thing for certain.

illud pro certo affirmare licet—this much I can vouch for.

mihi exploratum est, exploratum (certum) habeo—I am quite certain on the point.

inter omnes constat—it is a recognised fact.

mihi persuasum est[2]—I am persuaded, convinced.

mihi persuasi—I am persuaded, convinced.

sic habeto—convince yourself of this; rest assured on this point.

persuade tibi—convince yourself of this; rest assured on this point.

velim tibi ita persuadeas—convince yourself of this; rest assured on this point.

sic volo te tibi persuadere—convince yourself of this; rest assured on this point.

addūcor, ut credam—I am gradually convinced that...

non possum adduci, ut (credam)—I cannot make myself believe that...

ex animi mei sententia (vid. sect. XI. 2)—according to my strong conviction.

suo iudicio uti—to act in accordance with one's convictions.

[1] With certe scio, which is the form Cicero usually employs, the certitude lies in our knowledge, certum est me scire; with certo scire the certitude lies in the object of our knowledge. certo rarely occurs except with scio

[2] Caesar occasionally uses persuasum sibi habere

8.Plan—Advice—Deliberation

consilium capere, inire (de aliqua re, with Gen. gerund. , with Inf. , more rarely ut)—to form a plan, make a resolution.

consilio desistere—to give up a project, an intention.

consilium abicere or deponere—to let a plan fall through.

a consilio deterreri aliqua re—to be deterred from one's intention by something.

mediocribus consiliis uti—to adopt half-measures.

consilium, sententiam mutare—to alter one's views, intentions.

suo consilio uti[1]—to go one's own way, proceed independently.

magna moliri—to be busy with ambitious projects.

consilia cum aliquo communicare[2]—(1) to communicate one's plans to some one; (2) to make common cause with a person. Similarly c.causam, rationem

consilia inter se communicare—to take common counsel.

aliquem in or ad consilium adhibere—to consult a person, take his advice.

consilium habere (de aliqua re)—to deliberate together (of a number of people).

consultare or deliberare (de aliqua re)—to deliberate, consider (of individuals).

consiliis arcanis interesse (Liv.35.18)—to be present at secret consultations.

consilium dare alicui—to give a person advice.

auctorem esse alicui, ut—to give a person advice.

aliquem consilio (et re) iuvare—to give a person the advantage of one's advice (and actual support).

consilii mei copiam facio tibi—I put myself at your disposal as regards advice.

consilium petere ab aliquo—to apply to a person for advice.

consilii inopem esse—to be perplexed.

omnia consilia frigent (Verr.2.25)—advice is useless in this case; the situation is very embarrassing.

nullo consilio, nulla ratione, temere—without reflection; inconsiderately; rashly.

secum (cum animo) reputare aliquid—to think over, consider a thing.

considerare in, cum animo, secum aliquid—to think over, consider a thing.

agitare (in) mente or (in) animo aliquid—to think over, consider a thing.

aliquid cadit in deliberationem (Off.1.3.9)—a subject becomes matter for reflection.

re diligenter considerata, perpensa—after mature deliberation.

omnibus rebus circumspectis—after mature deliberation.

inita subductaque ratione—after mature deliberation.

[1] uti is similarly used in several phrases, especially with the meaning of having, showing, enjoying, practising, proving, etc., e.g. uti ventis secundis, adversis; praesenti animo uti, to show presence of mind; perpetua felicitate, to enjoy... ; prudentia, severitate, crudelitate, to show... ; bona valetudine, prospero fortunae flatu, to enjoy...; cf.sect.V.6.

[2] communicare (aliquid cum aliquo) means properly to share a thing with some one. From this are developed the two senses—1. to give some one something, e.g. consilia, laudem, gloriam alicuius rei; 2. to receive a share of a thing, e.g. pericula, paupertatem. "To communicate," i.e. to announce, inform, is represented by dicere, tradere, narrare, exponere, certiorem facere, etc.

9.Resolve—Design—Intention

in animo habeo or mihi est in animo c. Inf. —I am resolved; it is my intention.

certum (mihi) est—I am determined.

certum deliberatumque est—I am firmly resolved.

stat mihi sententia (Liv.21.30.)—I am firmly resolved.

incertus sum, quid consilii capiam—I am undecided...

mihi non constat (with indirect question)—I have not made up my mind.

propositum est mihi c. Inf. —I intend, propose to...

propositum, consilium tenere (opp. a proposito deterreri)—to abide by one's resolution.

propositum[1] assequi, peragere—to carry out one's plan.

magna sibi proponere or magna spectare—to have a high object in view; to be ambitious.

in incepto or conatu perstare—to persevere in one's resolve.

in proposito susceptoque consilio permanere—to persevere in one's resolve.

incepto or conatu desistere—to give up one's project.

parare aliquid—to take measures for...

animum inducere c. Inf. (not in animum inducere)—to persuade oneself to...

a me impetrare non possum, ut—I cannot bring myself to...

descendere ad aliquid, ad omnia (vid. sect. V. 9, note Similarly descendere...)—to consent to..., lend oneself to...

descendere ad extrema consilia (Fam.10.33.4)—to have recourse to extreme measures.

[1] In classical prose propositum is still semi-adjectival and has not yet acquired all the functions of a substantive; consequently it cannot be joined to a genitive, an adjective, or a pronoun. Cf. the treatment of factum, dictum, etc., in Augustan Latin.

10.Object—Aim—Hesitation—Delay

consilium est c. Inf. or ut—my intention is...

id sequor, ut—my intention is...

spectare aliquid or ad aliquid—to have an object in view.

res eo spectat, ut—the matter tends towards..., has this object.[1]

res spectat ad vim (arma)—there seems a prospect of armed violence; things look like violence.

id quod voluit consecutus est—he attained his object.

ad id quod voluit pervenit—he attained his object.

quid tibi vis?—what do you mean to do?

quid hoc sibi vult?—what is the meaning of this?

quid hoc rei est?—what is the meaning of this?

eo consilio, ea mente, ut—with the intention of...

de industria, dedita opera (opp. imprudens)—designedly; intentionally.

ad id ipsum[2]—with this very object.

infecta re (Liv.9.32)—to no purpose; ineffectually.

moram alicui rei afferre, inferre, facere—to retard, delay a thing.

in mora alicui esse—to detain a person.

nullam moram interponere, quin (Phil.10.1.1)—to make all possible haste to...

sine mora or nulla mora interposita—without delay.

diem ex die ducere, differre—to put off from one day to another.

[1] Note Athenae a Persis petutuntur, the object of the Persian invasion is Athens (Nep.Them.2.6).

[2] The aim, tendency of a writing or a poem is consilium, quo liber scriptus est, quo carmen compositum est, or quod quis in libro scribendo secutus est, not consilium libri

11.Remembrance—Forgetfulness

memoriā tenere aliquid—to remember a thing perfectly.

memoriam alicuius rei tenere—to remember a thing perfectly.

recenti memoria tenere aliquid—to have a vivid recollection of a thing.

memoriā (multum) valere (opp. memoriā vacillare)—to have a good memory.

memorem esse (opp. obliviosum esse)—to have a good memory.

memoria tanta fuit, ut—he had such an extraordinary memory that...

memoriā labi—to make a slip of the memory.

memoriae mandare aliquid[1]—to impress on the memory.

ex memoria (opp. de scripto)—from memory; by heart.

memoriter—(1) with good memory; (2) from personal recollection.

memoria custodire—to keep in mind.

memoriam alicuius rei renovare, revocare (redintegrare)—to recall a thing to one's recollection.

memoriam alicuius rei repetere—to recall to mind a thing or person.

in memoriam alicuius redire—to recall to mind a thing or person.

in memoriam alicuius redigere, reducere aliquid (not revocare)—to recall a thing to a person's mind.

memoria et recordatio—vivid recollection.

grata memoria aliquem prosequi[2]—to show a thankful appreciation of a person's kindness.

nomen alicuius grato animo prosequi—to think of a person with a grateful sense of his goodness.

memoriam alicuius rei repraesentare (opp. memoriam alicuius rei deponere, abicere)—to picture to oneself again.

memoriam alicuius rei conservare, retinere—to retain the recollection of a thing.

memoriam alicuius pie inviolateque servare—to show an affectionate regard for a person's memory.

gratam (gratissimam) alicuius memoriam retinere—to retain a (most) pleasant impression of a person.

numquam ex animo meo memoria illius rei discedet—the memory of this will never fade from my mind.

aliquid in memoria nostra penitus insidet—a thing has been vividly impressed on our[TR1] memory.

memoriam eius nulla umquam delebit (obscurabit) oblivio (Fam.2.1)—nothing will ever make me forgetful of him.

semper memoria eius in (omnium) mentibus haerebit—nothing will ever make me forgetful of him.

nomen suum posteritati aliqua re commendare, propagare, prodere—to win renown amongst posterity by some act.

memoriam nominis sui immortalitati tradere, mandare, commendare—to immortalise one's name.

post hominum memoriam—within the memory of man.

post homines natos—within the memory of man.

memoriae causa, ad (not in) memoriam[3] (Brut.16.62)—in memory of...

oblivio alicuius rei me capit—I forget something.

aliquem in oblivionem alicuius rei adducere (pass. in oblivionem venire)—to make a person forget a thing.

aliquid excidit e memoria, effluit, excidit ex animo—a thing escapes, vanishes from the memory.

memoria alicuius rei excidit, abiit, abolevit—the recollection of a thing has been entirely lost.

obliterari[4] (Liv.26.41)—to be forgotten, pass into oblivion.

memoria alicuius rei obscuratur, obliteratur, evanescit—to be forgotten, pass into oblivion.

oblivioni esse, dari—to be forgotten, pass into oblivion.

in oblivionem adduci—to be forgotten, pass into oblivion.

oblivione obrui, deleri, exstingui—to be forgotten, pass into oblivion.

in oblivione iacēre (of persons)—to be forgotten, pass into oblivion.

aliquid ab oblivione vindicare—to rescue from oblivion.

mementote with Acc. c. Inf. —do not forget.

[1] Distinguish this expression from ediscere which = to learn by heart; also from memoriae prodere, tradere = to hand down as tradition (vid. sect. VII. 14).

[2] Prosequi used figuratively, with an ablative, occurs in several phrases—e.g. prosequi aliquem honore; verbis honorificis; beneficiis, officiis, studiis suis; ominibus, votis, lacrimis

[3] One can also say monumenti causa—e.g. aliquid alicui momenti causa relinquere. Cf. such turnings as alicuius memoriam aliqua re prosequi, celebrare, renovare

[4] This and the following expressions are useful to express the passive of oblivisci

[TR1] Transcriber's Note: the original text indeed has "my", which is wrong, however, because the Latin phrase uses nostraThe French edition uses "notre mémoire".

12.Theory—Practice—Experience

ratione, doctrina (opp. usu) aliquid cognitum habere—to have a theoretical knowledge of a thing.

ad artem, ad rationem revocare aliquid (De Or.2.11.44)—to reduce a thing to its theoretical principles; to apply theory to a thing.

doctrinam ad usum adiungere—to combine theory with practice.

in rebus atque in usu versatum esse—to have had practical experience.

usu[1] praeditum esse—to possess experience.

magnum usum in aliqua re habere—to have had great experience in a thing.

multarum rerum usus—varied, manifold experience.

usu rerum (vitae, vitae communis) edocti sumus—we know from experience.

experti scimus, didicimus—we know from experience.

usu cognitum habemus—we know from experience.

res ipsa, usus rerum (cotidie) docet—everyday experience tells us this.

(rerum) imperitum esse—to have had no experience of the world.

multa acerba expertus est[2]—he has had many painful experiences.

usus me docuit—experience has taught me.

[1] Not experientia, which in classical prose means attempt, proof.

[2] experiri is only used of personal experience.

VII.The Arts and Sciences

1.Scientific Knowledge in General—Literature

optima studia, bonae, optimae, liberales, ingenuae artes, disciplinae—the sciences; the fine arts.

litterarum[1] studium or tractatio (not occupatio)—the study of belles-lettres; literary pursuits.

homines litterarum studiosi—learned, scientific, literary men.

homines docti—learned, scientific, literary men.

artium studia or artes vigent (not florent)—learning, scientific knowledge is flourishing.

litterae iacent, neglectae iacent[2]—scholarship, culture, literature is at a low ebb.

litteras colere—to be engaged in the pursuit of letters.

litteras amplecti—to be an enthusiastic devotee of letters.

litteras adamasse (only in perf. and plup.) —to be an enthusiastic devotee of letters.

in studio litterarum versari—to be engaged in literary pursuits.

in aliquo litterarum genere versari—to be engaged in any branch of study.

summo studio in litteris versari—to be an ardent student of...

se totum litteris tradere, dedere—to devote oneself entirely to literature.

se totum in litteras or se litteris abdere—to be quite engrossed in literary studies.

in litteris elaborare (De Sen.8.26)—to apply oneself very closely to literary, scientific work.

in litteris acquiescere or conquiescere—to find recreation in study.

aetatem in litteris ducere, agere—to devote one's life to science, study.

omne (otiosum) tempus in litteris consumere—to devote all one's leisure moments to study.

omne studium in litteris collocare, ad litteras conferre—to employ all one's energies on literary work.

optimarum artium studio incensum esse—to be interested in, have a taste for culture.

litterarum studio trahi—to feel an attraction for study.

trahi, ferri ad litteras—to feel an attraction for study.

litterarum studia remittere—to relax one's studies.

intermissa studia revocare—to resume one's studies.

primis (ut dicitur)[3] or primoribus labris gustare or attingere litteras—to have a superficial knowledge, a smattering of literature, of the sciences.

litterae—literature.

litterae ac monumenta or simply monumenta—written records; documents.

litterae latinae[4]—Roman literature.

clarissima litterarum lumina—shining lights in the literary world.

graecis litteris studere—to study Greek literature.

multum (mediocriter) in graecis litteris versari—to be well (slightly) acquainted with Greek literature.

[1] littera in sing. = letter of the alphabet, e.g. litteram nullam ad me misitIn plur.= 1.letters of the alphabet, characters (cf.viii.9); 2.a letter (epistola); 3. writings, books, e.g. graecae de philosophia litterae; 4. literature, graecas litteras discere; 5. literary pursuits; 6. science; 7. culture, erudition, learning, erant in eo plurimae litterae, neque eae vulgares, sed interiores quaedam et reconditae

[2] iacēre metaphorically is used not only of things neglected and abandoned, but of persons (cf. frigere) who have lost all their political influence.

[3] Cf. Pro Caelio 12, 28 extremis ut dicitur digitis attingere

[4] latinus is only used of language and literature, Romanus of nationality.

2.Learning—Erudition

vir or homo doctus, litteratus—a man of learning; a scholar; a savant.

vir doctissimus—a great scholar.

vir perfecte planeque eruditus—a man of profound erudition.

vir omni doctrina eruditus—a man perfect in all branches of learning.

multi viri docti, or multi et ii docti (not multi docti)—many learned men; many scholars.

omnes docti, quivis doctus, doctissimus quisque—all learned men.

nemo doctus—no man of learning.

nemo mediocriter doctus—no one with any pretence to education.

latinis litteris or latine doctus—acquainted with the Latin language.

bene[1] latine doctus or sciens—a good Latin scholar.

doctrina abundare (De Or.3.16.59)—to be a man of great learning.

a doctrina mediocriter instructum esse—to have received only a moderate education.

doctrina exquisita, subtilis, elegans[2]—sound knowledge; scholarship.

doctrina recondita—profound erudition.

studia, quae in reconditis artibus versantur (De Or.1.2.8)—abstruse studies.

magnam doctrinae speciem prae se ferre—to pass as a man of great learning.

vita umbratilis (vid. sect. VII. 4)—the contemplative life of a student.

litterarum scientiam (only in sing.) habere—to possess literary knowledge.

scientiam alicuius rei consequi—to acquire knowledge of a subject.

scientia comprehendere aliquid—to acquire knowledge of a subject.

penitus percipere et comprehendere aliquid (De Or.1.23.108)—to have a thorough grasp of a subject.

scientia augere aliquem—to enrich a person's knowledge.

multa cognita, percepta habere, multa didicisse—to be well-informed, erudite.

multarum rerum cognitione imbutum esse (opp. litterarum or eruditionis expertem esse or \[rerum\] rudem esse)—to be well-informed, erudite.

[1] For the use of adverbs to modify adjectives and other adverbs vid. Nägelsbach Lat.Stil.p.278; cf. bene multi, bene mane, bene penitus (Verr.2.70.169), impie ingratus (Tusc.5.2.6) etc. Such combinations are especially frequent in Tacitus, Velleius, Seneca, and Quintilian. For latine by itself cf. Cic.Opt.Gen.4 latine, id est pure et emendate, loqui. If the style is to be criticised, adverbs can be added—e.g. bene, perbene, pessime, eleganter, etc., cf.vii.7.

[2] Not solida, which means properly entire, massive—e.g. marmor solidum, crateres auro solidi, then metaph.e.g.—solida laus, utilitas

3.Culture—Civilisation

animum, ingenium excolere (not colere)—to cultivate the mind.

animi, ingenii cultus (not cultura)—mental culture.

optimis studiis or artibus, optimarum artium studiis eruditum esse—to have received a liberal education.

litteras scire—to have received a liberal education.

litterae interiores et reconditae, artes reconditae—profound scientific education.

sunt in illo, ut in homine Romano, multae litterae (De Sen.4.12)—for a Roman he is decidedly well educated.

litteris leviter imbutum or tinctum esse—to have received a superficial education.

omni vita atque victu excultum atque expolitum esse (Brut.25.95)—to have attained to a high degree of culture.

omnis cultus et humanitatis expertem esse[1]—to be quite uncivilised.

ab omni cultu et humanitate longe abesse (B.G.1.1.3)—to be quite uncivilised.

homines, gentem a fera agrestique vita ad humanum cultum civilemque deducere (De Or.1.8.33)—to civilise men, a nation.

[1] Not incultum esse, which refers only to external appearance.

4.Education—Instruction—School—Profession

liberaliter, ingenue, bene educari—to receive a liberal education.

severa disciplina contineri—to be brought up under strict discipline.

aliquem ad humanitatem informare or instituere—to teach a person refinement.

mores alicuius corrigere—to improve a person.

in viam reducere aliquem—to bring a person back to the right way.

in viam redire—to return to the right way.

litteras discere ab aliquo—to be educated by some one.

institui or erudiri ab aliquo—to receive instruction from some one.

disciplina alicuius uti, magistro aliquo uti—to receive instruction from some one.

e disciplina alicuius profectum esse—to be brought up in some one's school.

puerum alicui erudiendum or in disciplinam tradere—to entrust a child to the tuition of...

operam dare or simply se dare alicui, se tradere in disciplinam alicuius, se conferre, se applicare ad aliquem—to become a pupil, disciple of some one.

multum esse cum aliquo (Fam.16.21)—to enjoy close intercourse with...(of master and pupil).

ludus (discendi or litterarum)—an elementary school.

schola—a school for higher education.

scholam frequentare—to go to a school.

disciplina (institutio) puerilis (not liberorum)—the teaching of children.

pueros elementa (prima) docere—to teach children the rudiments.

primis litterarum elementis imbui—to receive the first elements of a liberal education.

doctrinae, quibus aetas puerilis impertiri solet (Nep.Att.1.2)—the usual subjects taught to boys.

artes, quibus aetas puerilis ad humanitatem informari solet—the usual subjects taught to boys.

erudire aliquem artibus, litteris (but erudire aliquem in iure civili, in re militari)—to teach some one letters.

natum, factum esse ad aliquid (faciendum)—to be born for a thing, endowed by nature for it.

adversante et repugnante natura or invitā Minervā (ut aiunt) aliquid facere (Off.1.31.110)—to do a thing which is not one's vocation, which goes against the grain.

crassa or pingui Minerva (proverb.) —with no intelligence or skill.

calcaria alicui adhibere, admovere; stimulos alicui admovere—to spur, urge a person on.

frenos adhibere alicui—to restrain some one.

bona indole (always in sing.) praeditum esse—to be gifted, talented (not praeditum esse by itself).

ingenio valere—to be gifted, talented.

summo ingenio praeditum esse—to possess rich mental endowments.

in aliqua re progressus facere, proficere, progredi—to make progress in a subject.

aliquid efficere, consequi in aliqua re (De Or.1.33.152)—to obtain a result in something.

adulescens alios bene de se sperare iubet, bonam spem ostendit or alii de adulescente bene sperare possunt—he is a young man of great promise.

adulescens bonae (egregiae) spei—a promising youth.

magna est exspectatio ingenii tui—we expect a great deal from a man of your calibre.

desudare in scholae umbra or umbraculis[1]—to exert oneself in the schools.

genus vitae (vivendi) or aetatis degendae deligere[2]—to choose a career, profession.

viam vitae ingredi (Flacc.42.105)—to enter upon a career.

philosophiam, medicinam profiteri—to be a philosopher, physician by profession.

se philosophum, medicum (esse) profiteri—to be a philosopher, physician by profession.

qui ista profitentur—men of that profession.

[1] Cf. umbra, umbracula (-orum), and umbratilis (vid. vii. 2, vita umbratilis), used of the retired life of a savant as opposed to sol, lux fori[TR1] or forensis. Cf. De Legg.3.6.14 Phalereus ille Demetrius mirabiliter doctrinam ex umbraculis eruditorum otioque non modo in solem atque in pulverem sed in ipsum discrimen aciemque produxit.

[2] The locus classicus on the choice of a profession is De Officiis 1.32.115-122

[TR1] Transcriber's Note: the original text indeed has sol, lux ori. But that is wrong as can be seen from the French edition using sol, lux fori

5.Example—Pattern—Precedent

exemplum clarum, praeclarum—a good,[1] brilliant example; a striking example.

exemplum luculentum—a good, brilliant example; a striking example.

exemplum illustre—a good, brilliant example; a striking example.

exemplum magnum, grande—a weighty example, precedent.

exemplum afferre—to quote an example.

exemplo uti—to quote an example.

aliquem (aliquid) exempli causa[2] ponere, proferre, nominare, commemorare—to cite a person or a thing as an example.

aliquid exemplis probare, comprobare, confirmare—to quote precedents for a thing.

aliquid exemplis ostendere—to demonstrate by instances.

exempla petere, repetere a rerum gestarum memoria or historiarum (annalium, rerum gestarum) monumentis—to borrow instances from history.

exempla a rerum Romanarum (Graecarum) memoria petita—examples taken from Roman (Greek) history.

multa exempla in unum (locum) colligere—to collect, accumulate instances.

ex infinita exemplorum copia unum (pauca) sumere, decerpere (eligere)—to choose one from a large number of instances.

a Socrate exemplum virtutis petere, repetere—to quote Socrates as a model of virtue.

similitudines afferre—to cite parallel cases.

auctore aliquo uti ad aliquid—to have as authority for a thing.

auctorem aliquem habere alicuius rei—to have as authority for a thing.

auctoritatem alicuius sequi—to be guided by another's example.

auctoritas et exemplum (Balb.13.31)—standard and pattern.

sibi exemplum alicuius proponere ad imitandum or simply sibi aliquem ad imitandum proponere—to set up some one as one's ideal, model.

sibi exemplum sumere ex aliquo or exemplum capere de aliquo—to take a lesson from some one's example.

ad exemplum alicuius se conformare—to shape one's conduct after another's model.

exemplum edere, prodere—to set an example.

exemplo esse—to set an example.

exemplum in aliquo or in aliquem statuere—to inflict an exemplary punishment on some one.

exemplum (severitatis) edere in aliquo (Q.Fr.1.2.2.5)—to inflict an exemplary punishment on some one.

bene (male) praecipere alicui—to inculcate good (bad) principles.

praecepta dare, tradere de aliqua re—to give advice, directions, about a matter.

ad praecipiendi rationem delābi (Q.Fr.1.1.6.18)—to adopt a didactic tone.

aliquid in animo haeret, penitus insedit or infixum est—a thing is deeply impressed on the mind.

aliquid animo mentique penitus mandare (Catil.1.11.27)—to impress a thing on one's memory, mind.

demittere aliquid in pectus or in pectus animumque suum—to take a thing to heart.

hoc verbum alte descendit in pectus alicuius—what he said made a deep impression on...

[1] Not bonum exemplum, which means an example morally good for us to follow.

[2] "For example" must not be translated by exempli causa, which is only used in complete sentences with such verbs as ponere, afferre, proferre, nominare. verbi causa (gratia) = "for instance," "we will say," usually refers to a single expression, e.g. quid dicis igitur?miserum fuisse verbi causa M.Crassum? (Tusc.1.4.12). Often examples are introduced by such words as ut, velut, in his, etc., e.g. bestiae quae gignuntur in terra, veluti crocodili (N.D.2.48.124).

6.Philosophy

se conferre ad philosophiam, ad philosophiae or sapientiae studium (Fam.4.3.4)—to devote oneself to philosophy.

animum appellere or se applicare ad philosophiam—to apply oneself to the study of philosophy.

philosophiae (sapientiae) studio teneri (Acad.1.2.4)—to be enamoured of philosophy.

in portum philosophiae confugere—to take refuge in philosophy.

in sinum philosophiae compelli—to be driven into the arms of philosophy.

philosophia (neglecta) iacet (vid. sect. VII. 1, note iacēre...)—philosophy is neglected, at low ebb.

philosophiam latinis litteris illustrare (Acad.1.1.3)—to write expositions of philosophy in Latin.

Ciceronis de philosophia libri—Cicero's philosophical writings.

decreta, inventa philosophorum—the tenets, dogmas of philosophers.

quae in philosophia tractantur—philosophical subjects.

praecepta philosophorum (penitus) percepta habere—to be well acquainted with the views of philosophers.

illae sententiae evanuerunt—those views are out of date.

illae sententiae iam pridem explosae et eiectae sunt (Fin.5.8.23)—those ideas have long ago been given up.

schola, disciplina, familia; secta—a sect, school of thought.

sectam alicuius sequi (Brut.31.120)—to be a follower, disciple of some one.

disciplinam alicuius profiteri—to be a follower, disciple of some one.

qui sunt a Platone or a Platonis disciplina; qui profecti sunt a Platone; Platonici—disciples of Plato, Platonists.

Solo, unus de septem (illis)—Solon, one of the seven sages.

Pythagorae doctrina longe lateque fluxit (Tusc.4.1.2)—Pythagoras' principles were widely propagated.

scholas habere, explicare (Fin.2.1.1)—to give lectures.

scholis interesse—to attend lectures.

tradere (aliquid de aliqua re)—to teach

audire Platonem, auditorem esse Platonis—to attend Plato's lectures.

7.The Parts of Philosophy

physica[1] (-orum) (Or.34.119); philosophia naturalis—physics; natural philosophy.

dialectica (-ae or -orum) (pure Latin disserendi ratio et scientia)—logic, dialectic.

disserendi praecepta tradere—to teach logic.

disserendi elegantia—logical minuteness, precision.

disserendi subtilitas (De Or.1.1.68)—dialectical nicety.

disserendi spinae (Fin.4.28.79)—subtleties of logic; dilemmas.

disserendi peritus et artifex—an accomplished dialectician.

homo in dialecticis versatissimus—an accomplished dialectician.

disserendi artem nullam habere—to know nothing of logic.

dialecticis ne imbutum[2] quidem esse—to be ignorant of even the elements of logic.

ratione, eleganter (opp. nulla ratione, ineleganter, confuse) disponere aliquid—to arrange on strictly logical principles.

philosophia, quae est de vita et moribus (Acad.1.5.19)—moral science; ethics.

philosophia, in qua de bonis rebus et malis, deque hominum vita et moribus disputatur—moral science; ethics.

philosophia, quae in rerum contemplatione versatur, or quae artis praeceptis continetur—theoretical, speculative philosophy.

philosophia,[3] quae in actione versatur—practical philosophy.

omnes philosophiae loci—the whole domain of philosophy.

[1] Cf. Acad.1.5.19 philosophandi ratio triplex; una de vita et moribus, altera de natura et rebus occultis, tertia de disserendo

[2] imbuere is properly to give the first touch to, tinge, bathe, e.g. gladii sanguine imbuti. Metaph. it = (1) to fill with, e.g. religione, pietate, superstitione, crudelitate; (2) to teach, initiate, e.g. animum honestis artibus, and is used especially of a superficial knowledge.

[3] Cf. Sen.Ep.25.10 philosophia activa

8.System—Method—Principles

ratio; disciplina, ratio et disciplina; ars—system.

ad artem redigere aliquid—to systematise.

ad rationem, ad artem et praecepta revocare aliquid (De Or.1.41)—to systematise.

arte conclusum esse—to have been reduced to a system.

ratio et doctrina—systematic, methodical knowledge.

artificio et via tradere aliquid—to give a scientific explanation of a thing.

artificiose redigere aliquid—to treat with scientific exactness; to classify.

ad rationis praecepta accommodare aliquid—to treat with scientific exactness; to classify.

totam rationem evertere (pass. iacet tota ratio)—to upset the whole system.

ratione et via, via et ratione progredi, disputare (Or.33.116)—to proceed, carry on a discussion logically.

novam rationem ingredi—to enter on a new method.

a certa ratione proficisci—to be based on a sound principle.

a falsis principiis proficisci—to start from false premises.

ad philosophorum or philosophandi rationes revocare aliquid—to deal with a subject on scientific principles.

perpetuitas et constantia (Tusc.5.10.31)—logical consistency.

9.Species—Definition—Classification—Connection

partes[1] generibus subiectae sunt—the species is subordinate the genus.

genus universum in species certas partiri et dividere (Or.33.117)—to analyse a general division into its specific parts.

genere, non numero or magnitudine differre—to differ qualitatively not quantitatively.

spinae partiendi et definiendi (Tusc.5.8.22)—minute, captious subdivisions and definitions.

rem (res) definire—to define a thing.

a definitione proficisci—to start from a definition.

involutae rei notitiam definiendo aperire (Or.33.116)—to make an obscure notion clear by means of definition.

sub metum subiectum esse—to be comprised under the term "fear."

constituere, quid et quale sit, de quo disputetur—to determine the nature and constitution of the subject under discussion.

in ordinem redigere aliquid—to systematise, classify a thing.

conexum et aptum esse inter se—to be closely connected with each other.

cohaerere, coniunctum esse cum aliqua re—to be closely connected with a thing.

arte (artissime) coniunctum esse—to be very intimately related.

apte (aptissime) cohaerere—to be very intimately related.

continuatio seriesque rerum, ut alia ex alia nexa et omnes inter se aptae colligataeque sint (N.D.1.4.9)—systematic succession, concatenation.

diffusum, dissipatum esse—to have no coherence, connection.

confusum, perturbatum esse—to be confused.

rem dissolutam conglutinare, coagmentare—to reunite disconnected elements.

[1] Cf. Cic.De Or.1.42 for the definition. genus autem id est, quod sui similes communione quadam, specie autem differentes, duas aut plures complectitur partes. partes autem sunt, quae generibus eis ex quibus manant subiciuntur; omniaque quae sunt vel generum vel partium nomina, definitionibus, quam vim habeant, est exprimendum. est enim definitio rerum earum, quae sunt eius rei propriae, quam definire volumus, brevis et circumscripta quaedam explicatio.

10.Proof—Refutation

argumentum[1] firmum, magnum—a strong, striking proof.

argumentum afferre—to bring forward a proof.

argumentum immortalitatis afferre (not pro)—to quote an argument in favour of immortality.

argumentum afferre, quo animos immortales esse demonstratur—to bring forward a proof of the immortality of the soul.

argumento huic rei est, quod—a proof of this is that...

aliquid planum facere (Ad Herenn.2.5)—to demonstrate, make a thing clear.

aliquid alicui probare (or c. Acc. c. Inf.) —to prove one's point to a person's satisfaction.

argumentis confirmare, comprobare, evincere aliquid (or c. Acc. c. Inf.) —to prove a thing indisputably.

argumentum ducere, sumere ex aliqua re or petere ab aliqua re—to derive an argument from a thing.

argumentum premere (not urgere)—to persist in an argument, press a point.

loci (τόποι) argumentorum (De Or.2.162)—the points on which proofs are based; the grounds of proof.

argumenta refellere, confutare—to refute arguments.

rationem[2] afferre (Verr.3.85.195)—to bring forward an argument (based on common-sense).

[1] argumentum = a proof resting on facts; ratio = an argument drawn from the general reasonableness of the proposition.

[2] argumentum = a proof resting on facts; ratio = an argument drawn from the general reasonableness of the proposition.

11.Conclusion—Hypothesis—Inference

concludere, colligere, efficere, cogere ex aliqua re—to draw a conclusion from a thing.

acute, subtiliter concludere—to draw a subtle inference.

ratio or rationis conclusio efficit—the conclusion proves that...

ratiocinatio, ratio—the syllogism; reasoning.

prima[1] (superiora); consequentia (Fin.4.19.54)—premises; consequences.

conclusiuncula fallax or captio—a fallacious argument; sophism.

positum est a nobis primum (c. Acc. c. Inf.) —we start by presupposing that...

hoc posito—on this supposition, hypothesis.

hoc probato consequens est—it follows from what we have shown.

sequitur (not ex quo seq.) ut—it follows from this that...

ex quo, unde, hinc efficitur ut—it follows from this that...

[1] In a syllogism the technical term for the major premise is propositio or propositio major; for the minor, propositio minor; for the conclusion, conclusio

12.Debate—Controversy

disputatio, quaestio—systematic, scientific discussion.

disputare[1] (de aliqua re, ad aliquid)—to discuss, investigate a subject scientifically.

subtiliter disputare—to thoroughly discuss.

in utramque partem, in contrarias partes disputare (De Or.1.34)—to discuss both sides of a question.

in nullam partem disputare—to say nothing either for or against an argument.

non repugno—I have nothing to say against it.

pertinacem (opp. clementem) esse in disputando—to be dogmatic; positive.

opponere alicui aliquid—to object, to adduce in contradiction.

dare, concedere aliquid—to grant, admit a thing.

sumere (opp. reicere) aliquid—to assume a thing.

tenere aliquid; stare in aliqua re—to insist on a point.

obtinere aliquid—to maintain one's assertion, prove oneself right.

in controversia (contentione) esse, versari—to be at variance with.

in controversiam cadere—to be at variance with.

in controversiam vocare, adducere aliquid—to make a thing the subject of controversy.

in controversiam vocari, adduci, venire (De Or.2.72.291)—to be contested, become the subject of debate.

in controversia relinquere aliquid—to leave a point undecided.

controversiam (contentionem) habere cum aliquo—to maintain a controversy with some one.

in contentione ponitur, utrum...an—it is a debated point whether...or...

id, de quo agitur or id quod cadit in controversiam—the point at issue.

controversiam sedare, dirimere, componere, tollere—to put an end to, settle a dispute.

controversiam diiudicare—to decide a debated question.

transigere aliquid cum aliquo—to come to an understanding with a person.

res mihi tecum est—I have a point to discuss with you.

sine (ulla) controversia—indisputably; incontestably.

hoc est a (pro) me—this goes to prove what I say.

res ipsa docet—the very facts of the case show this.

res ipsa (pro me apud te) loquitur—the matter speaks for itself.

res confecta est—the question is settled, finished.

[1] disputare = to discuss, considering the arguments pro and con, used of a number of people with different opinions. disserere de aliqua re = to discourse on a matter for the benefit of those present; but in both cases the substantive is disputatio

13.Agreement—Contradiction

consentire, idem sentire cum aliquo—to agree with a person.

dissentire, dissidere ab or cum aliquo—to disagree with a person.

omnes (uno ore) in hac re consentiunt—all agree on this point.

una et consentiens vox est—all are unanimous.

una voce; uno ore—unanimously.

uno, communi, summo or omnium consensu (Tusc.1.15.35)—unanimously.

re concinere, verbis discrepare—to agree in fact but not in word.

hoc convēnit inter nos—we have agreed on this point.

hoc mihi tecum convēnit (Att.6.1.14)—I agree with you there.

quī convenit?—how is this consistent?how are we to reconcile this...?

summa est virorum doctissimorum consensio (opp. dissensio)—the learned men are most unanimous in...

constantia (opp. inconstantia) (Tusc.5.11.32)—consistency.

inter se pugnare or repugnare—to be mutually contradictory.

secum pugnare (without sibi); sibi repugnare (of things)—to contradict oneself, be inconsistent.

a se dissidere or sibi non constare (of persons)—to contradict oneself, be inconsistent.

pugnantia loqui (Tusc.1.7.13)—to make contradictory, inconsistent statements.

dicere contra aliquem or aliquid (not contradicere alicui)—to contradict some one.

14.Particular Sciences (History—Mythology—Chronology—Geography—Mathematics—Natural Science—Astronomy)

res Romanae[1]—Roman history (i.e. the events in it).

res gestae Romanorum—Roman history (i.e. the events in it).

historia—history (as a science).

historia Romana[2] or rerum Romanarum historia—Roman history (i.e. the exposition, representation of it by writers).

memoria rerum Romanarum—Roman history (as tradition).

historiam (-as) scribere—to write a history.

res populi Romani perscribere—to write a history of Rome.

rerum scriptor[3]—an historian.

rerum auctor (as authority)—an historian.

evolvere historias, litterarum (veterum annalium) monumenta—to study historical records, read history.

memoriae traditum est, memoriae (memoria) proditum est (without nobis)—tradition, history tells us.

tradunt, dicunt, ferunt—they say; it is commonly said.

accepimus[4]—we know; we have been told.

historiae prodiderunt (without nobis)—history has handed down to us.

apud rerum scriptores scriptum videmus, scriptum est—we read in history.

duplex est memoria de aliqua re—a twofold tradition prevails on this subject.

rerum veterum memoria—ancient history.

memoria vetus (Or.34.120)—ancient history.

veterum annales—ancient history.

veterum annalium monumenta—ancient history.

antiquitatis memoria—ancient history.

recentioris aetatis memoria—modern history.

memoria huius aetatis (horum temporum)—the history of our own times; contemporary history.

nostra memoria (Cael.18.43)—the history of our own times; contemporary history.

omnis memoria, omnis memoria aetatum, temporum, civitatum or omnium rerum, gentium, temporum, saeculorum memoria—universal history.

memoriam annalium or temporum replicare—to consult history.

aetas heroica[5] (Tusc.5.3.7)—the mythical period, the heroic age.

tempora heroica (N.D.3.21.54)—the mythical period, the heroic age.

fabulae, historia fabularis—mythology.

repetere ab ultima (extrema, prisca) antiquitate (vetustate), ab heroicis temporibus—to go back to the remote ages.

ut a fabulis ad facta veniamus—to pass from myth to history.

historicorum fide contestata memoria—historic times.

historiae, rerum fides—historic truth.

narrare aliquid ad fidem historiae—to give a veracious and historic account of a thing.

res historiae fide comprobata—an acknowledged historical fact.

incorrupta rerum fides—genuine historical truth.

ad historiam (scribendam) se conferre or se applicare—to devote oneself to writing history.

homo in historia diligens—a conscientious historian.

memoriam rerum gestarum (rerum Romanarum) tenere—to be well versed in Roman history.

domestica (externa) nosse—to be acquainted with the history of one's own land.

temporum ratio, descriptio, ordo—chronology.

temporum ordinem servare—to observe the chronological order of events.

servare et notare tempora—to observe the chronological order of events.

res temporum ordine servato narrare—to narrate events in the order of their occurrence.

temporibus errare (Phil.2.9.23)—to make a chronological mistake.

ad temporum rationem aliquid revocare—to calculate the date of an event.

diligentem esse in exquirendis temporibus—to be exact in calculating dates.

terrarum or regionum descriptio (geographia)—geography.

Africae situm paucis exponere—to give a brief exposition of the geography of Africa.

regionum terrestrium aut maritimarum scientia—geographical knowledge.

mathematica (-ae) or geometria (-ae), geometrica (-orum) (Tusc.1.24.57)—mathematics.

mathematicorum ratione concludere aliquid—to draw a mathematical conclusion.

formas (not figuras) geometricas describere—to draw geometrical figures.

se conferre ad naturae investigationem—to devote oneself to the study of a natural science.

astrologia (pure Latin sidera, caelestia)—astronomy.

spectator siderum, rerum caelestium or astrologus[6]—an astronomer.

arithmetica[7] (-orum)—arithmetic.

numeri (-orum)—arithmetic.

bis bina quot sint non didicisse—to be absolutely ignorant of arithmetic.

[1] But res Romana = the Roman power, Rome.

[2] historia has several different senses. (1) The narration, exposition of the facts (res gestae, res), cf. rerum exemplum, historic precedent; res facta, historic fact. (2) Historical composition, e.g. historiam scribere, historia graeca = either a history written in Greek or a history of Greece (rerum graecarum historia); historia latina, history written in Latin; historia romana or rerum romanarum historia = a history of Rome. (3) A place famous in history, e.g. quacunque ingredimur, in aliqua historia pedem ponimus. In the plural historiae means specially histories, anecdotes (narratiunculae), memoirs, e.g. Taciti historiae

[3] historicus means an erudite student of history, one engaged on historical research. As an adjective its use in Cicero is limited, being only used when opposed to oratorius, e.g. genus historicum, historic style (Brut.83.286).

[4] scimus, cognovimus (= we know by experience) are not used of historical knowledge.

[5] heroicus only of time. herous = epic, e.g. versus herous (De Or.3.49.191) = a dactylic hexameter; pes herous a dactyl; "epic" of other things is usually epicus, e.g. carmen epicum; poetae epici, or epici alone. For "heroic" of an action, cf. praeclarum atque divinum factum; factum illustre et gloriosum, etc.

[6] It is only in later Latin after astrologus had acquired the meaning of astrologer, magician, that astronomus came to be used (= astronomer).

[7] In Cicero always neut. plur. , e.g. in arithmeticis satis versatus; later writers use the fem. sing. The pure Latin word is numeri, cf. De Fin.1.21.72 an ille se, ut Plato, in musicis, geometria, numeris, astris contereret? So De Fin.5.29.87 cur Plato Aegyptum peragravit, ut a sacerdotibus barbaris numeros et caelestia acciperet? Cf. Nägelsb.Lat.Stil.p.46

15.Art in General

artis opus; opus arte factum or perfectum—a work of art.

opus summo artificio[TR1] factum—a master-piece of classical work.

opus omnibus numeris absolutum—a master-piece of classical work.

artem exercere—to follow an artistic profession, practise an art.

artem tradere, docere—to teach an art.

artem profiteri—to profess an art.

artium (liberalium) studium, or simply studium—a taste for the fine arts.

artis praecepta, or also simply ars—the rules of art; aesthetics.

(artis, artium) intellegens, peritus[1] (opp. idiota, a layman)—a connoisseur; a specialist.

existimator (doctus, intellegens, acerrimus)—a (competent, intelligent, subtle) critic.

in existimantium arbitrium venire (Brut.24.92)—to come before the tribunal of the critics.

iudicium facere—to criticise.

sensum, iudicium habere—to be a man of taste.

elegantia in illo est—he possesses sound judgment in matters of taste.

iudicium subtile, elegans, exquisitum, intellegens—good taste; delicate perception.

iudicium acuere—to cultivate one's powers of criticism.

abhorrere ab artibus (opp. delectari artibus)—to have no taste for the fine arts.

veritatem[2] imitari (Div.1.13.23)—(1) to make a lifelike natural representation of a thing (used of the artist); (2) to be lifelike (of a work of art).

in omni re vincit imitationem veritas—in everything nature defies imitation.

aliquid ad verum exprimere—to make a copy true to nature.

morum ac vitae imitatio—a lifelike picture of everyday life.

aliquid e vita ductum est—a thing is taken from life.

[1] idiota = properly uninitiated, not the same as rudis, indoctus, imperitus

[2] veritas means not merely truth (opp. mendacium), but also reality (opp. opinio, imitatio). Thus we often find the combination res et veritas ipsa (Tusc.5.5.13), natura rerum et ipsa veritas

[TR1] Transcriber's Note: the original text has opus summo artifico factum. But that is wrong as can be seen from the French edition using opus summo artificio factum.

16.Poetry—Music—Painting—Sculpture

poema condere, facere, componere—to write poetry.

versus facere, scribere—to write poetry.

carmina , versus fundere (De Or.3.50)—to write poetry with facility.

carmen epicum—epic poetry.

poeta epicus—an epic, heroic poet.

poesis scaenica—dramatic poetry.

poeta scaenicus—a dramatic poet.

scriptor tragoediarum, comoediarum, also (poeta) tragicus, comicus[1]—a writer of tragedy, comedy.

scriptor fabularum[2]—a writer of fables.

divino quodam instinctu concitari, ferri (Div.1.31.66)—to feel inspired.

divino quodam spiritu inflatus or tactus—inspired.

carmen, versum agere—to recite a poem, line with appropriate action.

carmen recitare—to read a piece of verse with expression.

carmen pronuntiare—to recite a piece of verse (without gestures).

carmen inconditum—a rough poem; an extempore effusion.

se conferre ad poesis studium—to devote oneself to poetry.

poetica laude florere—to be distinguished as a poet.

poesis genus ad Romanos transferre—to transplant to Rome one of the branches of poesy.

alicuius laudes versibus persequi—to sing the praises of some one (not canere aliquem)

alicuius laudes (virtutes) canere—to sing the praises of some one (not canere aliquem)

alicuius res gestas versibus ornare, celebrare—to celebrate some one's exploits in song.

ut ait Homerus—as Homer sings (not canit).

numerus poetice vinctus—poetical rhythm.

artem musicam[3] discere, tractare—to learn, study music.

nervorum et tibiarum cantus—instrumental music.

vocum et fidium (nervorum) cantus—vocal and instrumental music.

docere aliquem fidibus—to teach some one to play a stringed instrument.

fidibus discere (De Sen.8.26)—to learn to play a stringed instrument.

fidibus canere—to play on the lyre.

pellere nervos in fidibus—to strike the strings of the lyre.

tibias inflare—to play the flute.

tibiis or tibiā canere—to play the flute.

ad tibiam or ad tibicinem canere—to sing to a flute accompaniment.

(homo) symphoniacus—a singer, member of a choir.

symphōnīa canit (Verr.3.44.105)—the orchestra is playing.

acroāma[4]—a professional performer.

modi (De Or.1.42.187)—the melody.

modos facere—to compose, put to music.

numerus, numeri—the tune; rhythm.

numerose cadere—to have a rhythmical cadence.

ars pingendi, pictura (De Or.2.16.69)—the art of painting.

ars fingendi—the art of sculpture.

signa et tabulae (pictae)—statues and pictures.

simulacrum e marmore facere—to make a marble statue.

statuas[5] inscribere (Verr.2.69.167)—to put an inscription on statues.

[1] tragicus, comicus as adjectives = occurring in tragedy, comedy—e.g. Orestes tragicus; senes comici. Comic in the ordinary sense = ridiculus, c. f. homo ridiculus

[2] Not fabulator, which = a gossip, teller of anecdotes.

[3] musica (-orum) is also used for music, cf. in musicis se conterere

[4] acroama = originally anything performed to give pleasure, then a performer. The Greeks applied the term to music; the Romans used it of any professional performer who entertained guests while at table.

[5] statua is not used of statues of the gods, but signum, simulacrum

17.The Drama

ars ludicra (De Or.2.20.84)—the dramatic art.

fabula, ludus scaenicus—the piece; the play.

argumentum—the plot of the piece.

actio—the treatment of the piece.

actus—an act.

fabulam docere (διδάσκειν) (of the writer) (opp. fabulam discere—to study a piece, of the actor)—to get a piece played, rehearse it.

fabulam agere—to act a play (said of the actors).

fabulam edere—to bring out a play, put it on the stage (used of the man who finds the money).

fabulam dare—to produce a play (of the writer).

in scaenam producere aliquem—to introduce a character on the stage.

in scaenam prodire—to come upon the stage.

in scaenam redire—to reappear on the stage.

de scaena decedere—to retire from the stage.

in scaenam aliquid inducere—to bring a thing upon the stage.

familia, grex, caterva histrionum—a theatrical company.

dominus gregis—the manager.

theatrum[1]—the playhouse.

theatra reclamant—the spectators protest.

populum facilem, aequum habere—to have an appreciative audience.

plaudere (not applaudere)—to applaud, clap a person.

plausum dare (alicui)—to applaud, clap a person.

clamores (coronae) facere, excitare—to elicit loud applause.

saepius revocatur (Liv.7.2.9)—he is encored several times.

fabulam exigere (Ter.Andr. Pol.)—to hiss a play.

fabula cadit—a piece is a failure, falls flat.

histrionem exsibilare, explodere, eicere, exigere—to hiss an actor off the stage.

histrioni acclamare[2]—to interrupt an actor by hooting him.

partes agere alicuius[3]—to play the part of some one.

agere servum, lenonem—to act the rôle of a slave, pander.

actor primarum (secundarum, tertiarum) partium—the actor who plays the leading part.

tragoedia or fabula Antigona (not Antigona trag. or fab.)—the Antigone.

in Sophoclis (not Sophoclea) Aiace or apud Sophoclem in Aiace—in Sophocles' Ajax.

caterva, chorus—the Chorus in Tragedy.

carmen chori, canticum—a choric ode in a tragedy.

loci melici—the lyric portions of a tragedy.

diverbium—stage dialogue.

canticum—a choric ode.

ludi circenses, scaenici—performances in the circus; theatrical perfomances.

ludos apparare—to institute games.

ludos facere, edere (Iovi)—to give public games in honour of Jupiter.

ludos instaurare—to revive public games.

munus gladiatorium edere, dare (or simply munus edere, dare)—to give a gladiatorial show.

gladiatores dare—to give a gladiatorial show.

familia[4] gladiatoria (Sest.64.134)—a band, troupe of gladiators under the management of a lanista

ludus gladiatorius—a school for gladiators.

gladiatoribus (Att.2.19.3)—at the gladiatorial games.

celebritas ludorum—crowded games.

magnificentia ludorum—sumptuous public games.

ludi apparatissimi—sumptuous public games.

ludi Olympia (not ludi Olympici), Pythia—the Olympian, Pythian games.

Olympia vincere (Ολύμπια νικαν)—to win a prize at the Olympian games.

ludi gymnici—gymnastic contests.

certamina gymnica—gymnastic contests.

stadium currere (Off.3.10.42)—to run a foot-race.

[1] theatrum = (1) the playhouse, theatre; (2) the audience, house. It is used metaphorically for the sphere of activity, theatre, scene, e.g. theatrum magnum habet ista provincia (Cic.) ; nullum theatrum virtuti conscientia majus (ibid.)

[2] Livy is the first writer who uses acclamare in a good sense.

[3] Also used metaphorically of the part played in life, e.g. partes suscipere, sustinere, dare, tribuere, defendere, tueri. Similarly persona (properly mask) is used in several phrases, e.g. personam alicuius agere, ferre, tenere; personam suscipere or induere; personam tueri (Phil.8.10); personam alicui imponere (Sull.3.8). persona thus got the meaning of personality, individuality, character, and lastly in a concrete sense a personage of distinction. N. B. —It never represents our "person," cf. many persons were present, multi (homines) aderant

[4] Hence familiam ducere, metaphorically to be at the head of a movement, to play the leading part, e.g. in iure civili (Cic.) For other phrases drawn from the wrestling-school vid. ix. 6.

VIII.Speech and Writing

1.Speech in General

ars dicendi—the art of speaking; oratory.

ad dicendum se conferre—to devote oneself to oratory.

dicendi[1] praecepta tradere—to teach rhetoric.

rhetor, dicendi magister—a teacher of rhetoric.

facultas dicendi—oratorical talent.

natum, factum esse ad dicendum—to be a born orator.

facilem et expeditum esse ad dicendum (Brut.48.180)—to be a ready, fluent speaker.

rudem, tironem ac rudem (opp. exercitatum) esse in dicendo—to be an inexperienced speaker.

disertum esse (De Or.1.21.94)—to be fluent.

eloquentem esse (De Or.1.21.94)—to be a capable, finished speaker.

eloquentia valere—to be very eloquent.

dicendi arte florere—to be very eloquent.

eloquentiae laude florere—to be a distinguished orator.

vis dicendi—oratorical power.

multum dicendo valere, posse—to have great weight as a speaker.

eloquentiae principatum tenere—to be considered the foremost orator.

primum or principem inter oratores locum obtinere—to be considered the foremost orator.

oratorum principem esse—to be considered the foremost orator.

orationem conficere—to compose a speech.

orationem commentari (Fam.16.26)—to prepare, get up a speech.

oratio meditata (Plin.26.3.7)—a prepared speech.

subito, ex tempore (opp. ex praeparato) dicere—to speak extempore.

oratio subita—an extempore speech.

oratio perpetua—a continuous discourse.

oratio accurata[2] et polita—a carefully prepared speech.

oratio composita—an elaborate speech.

contentio (opp. sermo) (Off.2.48)—pathetic address; emotional language.

copiose dicere—to speak very fluently.

ornate dicere—to speak well, elegantly.

libere dicere (Verr.2.72.176)—to speak frankly, independently.

plane, aperte dicere—to speak openly, straightforwardly.

perspicue, diserte dicere—to speak in clear, expressive language.

missis ambagibus dicere—to speak without circumlocution.

accommodate ad persuadendum dicere—to be a persuasive speaker.

aggredi ad dicendum[3]—to come forward to make a speech; to address the house.

verba facere apud[4] populum, in contione—to address a meeting of the people.

in contionem (in rostra) escendere[5] (only of Romans)—to mount the rostra.

orationem habere (Tusc.5.33.94)—to make a speech.

initium dicendi facere—to begin to speak.

finem dicendi facere—to cease speaking.

perorare—(1) to make one's peroration; (2) to deliver the closing speech (in a case where several speeches have been made).

animos audientium permovere, inflammare—to make an impression on one's audience.

animos tenere—to rivet the attention of...

audientiam sibi (orationi) facere—to obtain a hearing.

solutum et expeditum esse ad dicendum—to be never at a loss for something to say.

lingua promptum esse—to have a ready tongue.

celeritas in respondendo—readiness in debate, in repartee.

bonis lateribus[6] esse—to have good lungs.

linguae solutio—volubility.

[1] Note the way in which the Latin language prefers a concrete expression in the plural to represent our abstract "rhetoric," cf. musica (-orum), astra, numeri, soni = music, astronomy, arithmetic, acoustics (vid. vii. 14).

[2] accuratus is only used of things, never of persons.

[3] surgere ad dicendum is only used of some one who has been till now seated (De Or.2.78.316).

[4] apud is used of appearing before an official assembly, e.g. apud populum, apud senatum, apud iudices. coram is used of an informal casual meeting.

[5] escendere is more common than ascendere, cf. in contionem escendere (Cic.Att.4.2.3; Liv.2.7.7, etc. etc.) Similarly in rostra escendere (Cic. Liv.) , in tribunal escendere (Liv.) Later suggestum, rostra escendere (Tac.Ann.15.59; ibid.13.5.).

[6] latus is never used in the singular in good Latin with the meaning "lungs,", "breath," "vigour," cf. Cic. iam me dies, vox, latera deficient si... In a somewhat similar way lacerti is used of oratorical vigour, e.g. ipse hastas...oratoris lacertis viribusque torquebit (De Or.1.57.242).

2.Style—Expression

genus dicendi (scribendi); oratio[1]—style.

genus dicendi grave or grande, medium, tenue[2] (cf. Or.5.20; 6.21)—elevated, moderate, plain style.

fusum orationis genus—a running style.

inconditum dicendi genus (Brut.69.242)—a rough, unpolished style.

inflatum orationis genus—a bombastic style.

oratio altius exaggerata—a bombastic style.

elatio atque altitudo orationis—the exalted strain of the speech.

exsurgere altius or incitatius ferri—to take a higher tone (especially of poets and orators).

magnifice loqui, dicere—(1) to speak vehemently, passionately; (2) to speak pompously, boastfully.

magniloquentia, granditas verborum—pathos; passion.

tragoediae—tragic pathos.

expedita et facile currens oratio—an easy, fluent style.

oratio aequabiliter fluens—an easy, fluent style.

flumen[3] orationis (De Or.2.15.62)—flow of oratory.

siccitas, sanitas orationis—the plain style.

verborum tenuitias, oratio subtilis—the plain style.

oratio exilis, ieiuna, arida, exsanguis—the dry, lifeless style.

ornatus orationis, verborum—well-chosen language, grace of style.

elegantia orationis—tasteful description.

oratio pura, pura et emendata—pure, correct language.

integritas, sinceritas orationis (not puritas)—purity of style.

oratio inquinata[4] (De Opt.Gen.Or.3.7)—incorrect language.

orationes Catonis antiquitatem redolent (Brut.21.82)—Cato's speeches sound archaic.

ex illius orationibus ipsae Athenae redolent—there is a flavour of Atticism about his discourse.

oratio soluta (not prosa) or simply oratio—prose.

oratio numerose cadit—his style has a well-balanced cadence.

numeris orationem astringere, vincire—to make a speech rhythmical.

lumina, flores dicendi (De Or.3.25.96)—flowers of rhetoric; embellishments of style.

sententias (verbis) explicare, aperire—to explain one's sentiments.

sententiae reconditae ex exquisitae (Brut.97.274)—profound sentiments.

ubertas (not divitiae) et copia orationis—a full and copious style of speech.

crebritas or copia (opp. inopia) sententiarum or simply copia—richness of ideas.

sententiis abundans[5] or creber (opp. sententiis inanis)—rich in ideas.

adumbrare aliquid (Or.14.43)—to roughly sketch a thing.

exprimere aliquid verbis or oratione (vid. sect. VI. 3, note adumbrare...)—to express clearly, make a lifelike representation of a thing.

exponere aliquid or de aliqua re—to give an account of a thing (either orally or in writing).

sententiae inter se nexae—the connection.

perpetuitas verborum—the connection.

contextus orationis (not nexus, conexus sententiarum)—the connection.

ratio sententiarum—the connection of thought.

ratio, qua sententiae inter se excipiunt.—the connection of thought.

vitam alicuius exponere—to give an account of a man's life.

vitam alicuius depingere—to make a sketch of a man's life.

de ingenio moribusque alicuius exponere—to make a character-sketch of a person.

summo colore aliquid illustrare—to depict a thing in lively colours.

ante oculos ponere aliquid—to bring a thing vividly before the eyes.

oculis or sub oculos, sub aspectum subicere aliquid—to represent a thing vividly.

rerum sub aspectum paene subiectio (De Or.3.53.202)—graphic depiction.

perlustrare, lustrare oculis aliquid—to scrutinise, examine closely.

sic exponere aliquid, quasi agatur res (non quasi narretur)—to represent a thing dramatically.

aliquem disputantem facere, inducere, fingere (est aliquid apud aliquem disputans)—to introduce a person (into a dialogue) discoursing on...

in uno conspectu ponere aliquid—to give a general idea of a thing.

sub unum aspectum subicere aliquid—to give a general idea of a thing.

in brevi conspectu ponere aliquid—to make a short survey of a thing.

uno conspectu videre aliquid—to have a general idea of a thing.

breviter tangere, attingere aliquid—to touch briefly on a thing.

strictim, leviter tangere, attingere, perstringere aliquid—to make a cursory mention of a thing; to mention by the way (not obiter or in transcursu).

quasi praeteriens, in transitu attingere aliquid—to make a cursory mention of a thing; to mention by the way (not obiter or in transcursu).

res summas attingere—to dwell only on the main points.

summatim aliquid exponere—to dwell only on the main points.

multa verba facere—to go deeply into a matter, discuss it fully.

multum, nimium esse (in aliqua re) (De Or.2.4.17)—to go deeply into a matter, discuss it fully.

pluribus verbis, copiosius explicare, persequi[6] aliquid—to give a full, detailed account of a thing.

fusius, uberius, copiosius disputare, dicere de aliqua re—to speak at great length on a subject, discuss very fully.

breviter, paucis explicare aliquid—to explain a matter briefly, in a few words (not paucis verbis).

rem paucis absolvere (Sall.Iug.17.2)—to explain a matter briefly, in a few words (not paucis verbis).

rebus ipsis par est oratio—the circumstances are described in language worthy of them.

rebus verba respondent—the circumstances are described in language worthy of them.

copiam quam potui persecutus sum—I have exhausted all my material.

verbis non omnia exsequi posse—to be unable to say all one wants.

in medium proferre aliquid—to bring a subject forward into discussion.

in medio ponere (proponere)—to publish, make public.

silentio praeterire (not praetermittere) aliquid—to pass over in silence.

significare aliquem or aliquid—to allude to a person or thing (not alludere).

significatione appellare aliquem—to allude to a person or thing (not alludere).

describere aliquem (Cael.20.50)—to allude to a person or thing (not alludere).

leviter significare aliquid—to hint vaguely at a thing.

ordine narrare, quomodo res gesta sit—to detail the whole history of an affair.

dicendo ornare aliquid—to embellish a narrative.

rhetorice, tragice ornare aliquid (Brut.11.43)—to add rhetorical, dramatic embellishments to a subject.

digressus, digressio, egressio—a digression, episode.

quod ornandi causa additum est—a digression, episode.

includere in orationem aliquid—to interpolate, insert something.

inserere orationi aliquid—to interpolate, insert something.

interponere aliquid (De Am.1.3)—to interpolate, insert something.

dicendo augere, amplificare aliquid (opp. dicendo extenuare aliquid)—to lend lustre to a subject by one's description.

in maius ferre, in maius extollere aliquid—to exaggerate a thing.

in maius accipere aliquid—to overestimate a thing.

digredi (a proposito) (De Or.2.77.311)—to digress, deviate.

studio alicuius rei provectus sum—my zeal for a thing has led me too far.

longe, alte (longius, altius) repetere (either absolute or ab aliqua re)—to go a long way back (in narrative).

oratio longius repetita (De Or.3.24.91)—a rather recondite speech.

accedere ad cotidiani sermonis genus—to adopt the language of everyday life.

ad vulgarem sensum or ad communem opinionem orationem accommodare (Off.2.10.35)—to express oneself in popular language.

[1] Not stilus, which means the writing instrument, the stylus, hence the expression stilum vertere (Verr.2.3.41), to erase what has been written. Metaphorically it denotes—(1) the action of writing, e.g. stilus optimus est et praestantissimus dicendi effector et magister; (2) the manner of writing, mode of composition, e.g. unus enim sonus est totius orationis et idem stilus

[2] Speeches belong according to their subject-matter to genus deliberativum (συμβουλευτικόν), genus iudicale (δικανικόν), or genus demonstrativum (ἐπιδεικτικόν), cf. Cic.de Inv.1.5.7; Arist.Rhet.bk.iii

[3] On the other hand, oratio fluit (De Or.3.49.190) = the language has no rhythm.

[4] Not impura, which means unchaste, obscene.

[5] Not dives which Cicero uses only absolutely and almost always of persons, cf. however animus hominis dives (Parad.6.44), divitior mihi et affluentior videtur esse vera amicitia (De Am.16.58).

[6] persequi is often used in the meaning to expound, treat of either orally or in writing, e.g. alicuius vitam, alicuius laudes versibus, res Hannibalis

3.Delivery—Voice

actio (Brut.38)—delivery.

pronuntiatio[1] c. Gen. —artistic delivery; declamation.

actio paulum claudicat[2]—the delivery is rather halting, poor.

haerere, haesitare (Catil.2.6.13)—to stop short, hesitate.

perturbari, permoveri—to be nervous, embarrassed.

de scripto orationem[3] habere, dicere (opp. sine scripto, ex memoria)—to read a speech.

interpellare aliquem (dicentem)—to interrupt.

vox magna, clara (Sulla 10.30)—a strong, loud voice.

vox gravis, acuta, parva, mediocris—a deep, high, thin, moderate voice.

vox canōra (Brut.63.234)—a melodious, ringing voice.

vox lenis, suppressa, summissa—a gentle, subdued voice.

vocem mittere (sonitum reddere of things)—to speak, utter a sound.

vocem summittere—to lower one's voice.

contentio, remissio vocis—raising, lowering the voice.

vocem intercludere (Just.11.8.4)—to prevent some one from speaking.

nulla vox est ab eo audita—no sound passed his lips.

magna voce clamare—to shout at the top of one's voice.

clamorem tollere (Liv.3.28)—to raise a shout, a cry.

gestum (always in the sing.) agere—to gesticulate.

[1] Not declamatio which = an oratorical exercise. Distinguish pronuntiare (De Or.1.59.251), to declaim a thing according to the rules of rhetoric; and declamare = to go through rhetorical exercises as a practice in speaking.

[2] claudicare often metaph. of things which are unequal, weak, e.g. amicitia claudicat (Fin.1.69).

[3] But to read a speech orationem legere (Brut.51.191); to read with expression, recitare (Phil.10.2.5).

4.Subject-Matter—Argument

non habeo argumentum scribendi—I have nothing to write about.

deest mihi argumentum ad scribendum (Att.9.7.7)—I have nothing to write about.

non habeo, non est quod scribam—I have nothing to write about.

res (opp. verba) mihi suppetit—I have abundance to say.

materia mihi crescit—my subject grows as I write.

res componere ac digerere—to arrange and divide the subject-matter.

dispositio rerum (De Inv.1.7.9)—the arrangement of the subject-matter.

materia rerum et copia uberrima—abundance of material.

infinita et immensa materia—abundance of material.

materiem ad ornatum praebere—to afford matter for elaboration, embellishment.

id quod (mihi) propositum est—a theme, subject proposed for discussion.

res proposita—a theme, subject proposed for discussion.

id quod quaerimus (quaeritur)—a theme, subject proposed for discussion.

institutum or id quod institui—a theme, subject proposed for discussion.

a proposito aberrare, declinare, deflectere, digredi, egredi—to digress from the point at issue.

ad propositum reverti, redire—to come back to the point.

ad rem redire—to come back to the point.

sed redeat, unde aberravit oratio—but to return from the digression we have been making.

sed ad id, unde digressi sumus, revertamur—but to return from the digression we have been making.

verum ut ad id, unde digressa est oratio, revertamur—but to return from the digression we have been making.

mihi propositum est c. Inf. (or mihi proposui, ut)—the task I have put before myself is...

ponere—to propose, set a theme.

ponere alicui, de quo disputet—to set some one a theme for discussion.

ponere iubere, qua de re quis audire velit (Fin.2.1.1)—to let those present fix any subject they like for discussion.

5.Question—Answer

quaestionem ponere, proponere—to propose a subject of debate, put a question.

quaestionem poscere (Fin.2.1.1)—to get a question submitted to one.

hoc loco exsistit quaestio, quaeritur—at this point the question arises.

nunc id quaeritur, agitur—the question now is...

res, de qua nunc quaerimus, quaeritur—the question at issue.

magna quaestio est (followed by an indirect question)—it is a difficult point, disputed question.

quaerendum esse mihi visum est—the question has forced itself on my mind.

quaestionem solvere—to decide, determine a question.

quaestio ad exitum venit—the question has been settled.

ad interrogata respondere[1]—to answer questions.

bene interrogare—to cross-examine cleverly, put leading questions.

percontanti non deesse (De Or.1.21.97)—to answer every question.

responsum ab aliquo ferre, auferre—to extract an answer from some one.

respondere in hanc sententiam[2]—to answer to this effect.

[1] Note to answer (a thing) respondere ad aliquid or alicui rei; to answer (a person) always alicui. So dicere alicui to speak to a person, but scribere ad aliquem

[2] responsum dare only of answers given by oracles or lawyers.

6.Humour—Earnest

ioco uti (Off.1.29.103)—to make a joke.

haec iocatus sum, per iocum dixi—I said it in jest.

animo prompto esse ad iocandum—to be humorously inclined.

extra iocum, remoto ioco (Fam.7.11.3)—joking apart.

facete dicere—to be witty.

facetiis uti, facetum esse—to make witty remarks.

facete et commode dicere —to indulge in apt witticisms.

breviter et commode dictum—a short, pointed witticism.

facete dictum—a witticism, bon mot.

arcessitum dictum (De Or.2.63.256)—a far-fetched joke.

dicta dicere in aliquem—to make jokes on a person.

aspergere sales orationi (Or.26.87)—to intersperse one's speech with humorous remarks.

aliquid ad ridiculum convertere—to make a joke of a thing.

(homo) ridiculus (Plaut.Stich.1.3.21)—a wit; a joker.

lepos in iocando—humour.

iucunde esse (Deiot.7.19)—to be in a good temper.

se dare iucunditati—to let oneself be jovial.

sibi displicere (opp. sibi placere)—to be in a bad temper.

ioca et seria agere—to be now jesting, now in earnest.

serio dicere (Plaut.Bacch.1.1.42)—to say in earnest...

severitatem adhibere—to show that one is serious.

ineptum esse (De Or.2.4.17)—to be silly, without tact.

nimium diligentem esse[1]—to be pedantic.

[1] Such words as "pedantry," "pedant" can be expressed very variously in Latin, cf. N.D.3.31.71 posse acerbos e Zenonis schola exire; Pro Mur.9.19 multorum difficultatem exsorbuit; Brut.38.143 erat in Crasso latine loquendi sine molestia diligens elegantia

7.Language—Use of Language—Translation—Grammar

lingua graeca latinā locupletior (copiosior, uberior) est—the Greek language is a richer one than the Latin.

commercium linguae—intercourse of speech.

volubilitas, solutio linguae—volubility.

vitium orationis, sermonis or simply vitium—a mistake, solecism.

saepe (crebro, multa) peccavit, erravit, lapsus est—he has made several mistakes.

eiusdem linguae societate coniunctum esse cum aliquo (De Or.3.59.223)—to be united by having a common language.

orationis expertem esse—to be unable to express one's ideas.

sermo patrius (Fin.1.2.4)—native tongue; vernacular.

consuetudo sermonis, loquendi—to usage of language.

cotidiani sermonis usus—the ordinary usage of language, everyday speech.

communis sermonis consuetudo—the ordinary usage of language, everyday speech.

sermo familiaris et cotidianus—the ordinary usage of language, everyday speech.

aliquid a consuetudine sermonis latini abhorret, alienum est—the expression is not in accordance with Latin usage.

consuetudo vitiosa et corrupta (opp. pura et incorrupta) sermonis—incorrect usage.

incorrupta latini sermonis integritas[1] (Brut.35.132)—pure, correct Latin.

sermo latinus (opp. sermo parum latinus) (cf. sect. VII. 2. , note For the use of adverbs...)—good Latin.

latine loqui (Brut. 45. 166)—(1) to speak Latin, (2) to speak good Latin (also bene latine), (3) to express oneself clearly.

graece or graeca lingua loqui—to speak the Greek language.

latinam linguam scire or didicisse—to know Latin.

latine scire—to know Latin.

latine commentari—to write treatises in Latin.

aliquid e graeco in latinum (sermonem) convertere, vertere, transferre—to translate from Greek into Latin.

Platonem vertere, convertere—to translate Plato.

ab or de (not ex) Platone vertere, convertere, transferre—to translate from Plato.

ex Platonis Phaedone haec in latinum conversa sunt—what follows has been translated into Latin from Plato's Phaedo.

aliquid (graeca) latine reddere or sermone latino interpretari—to render something into Latin.

ad verbum transferre, exprimere—to translate literally, word for word (not verbo tenus).

verbum e verbo exprimere—to translate literally, word for word (not verbo tenus).

verbum pro verbo reddere—to translate literally, word for word (not verbo tenus).

totidem verbis transferre—to translate literally, word for word (not verbo tenus).

his fere verbis, hoc fere modo convertere, transferre—to translate freely.

liber (scriptoris) conversus, translatus—the work when translated; translation (concrete).

interpretatio, translatio (not versio or conversio)—the process of translation.

interpres—the translator.

leges dicendi—the rules of speech, grammar.

praecepta[2] grammaticorum—the rules of speech, grammar.

grammaticus[3] (De Or.1.3.10)—a linguist, philologian.

emendate scribere—to write correctly, in faultless style.

latine scribere[4] (Opt.Gen.Or.2.4)—to write good Latin.

[1] Cf. Cic.ad Herenn.4.12.17 latinitas est quae sermonem purum conservat ab omni vitio remotum

[2] Not regula, which means a level, standard, e.g. regula ad quam iudicia rerum diriguntur (Cic.)

[3] The adverb grammatice is used with loqui, scribere = to speak, write correctly; grammatista and also litterator are used of elementary teachers.

[4] Cf. latine docere philosophiam, to teach philosophy in Latin; Fin.3.12.40 latine scire, to know Latin. (cf. ἑλληνιστὶ ξυνιέναι Xen.Anab.7.6.8). Also latine didicisse, latine oblivisci (Caec.22.62), in which Dräger supposes an ellipse of loqui or dicere

8.Sentence—Period—Words—Proverbs—Syllables

enuntiatio, enuntiatum, sententia—the sentence, proposition.

compositio, structura verborum—the structure of the sentence.

ambitus, circuitus, comprehensio, continuatio (verborum, orationis), also simply periodus—the period.

constructio, structura verborum, forma dicendi—the construction.

adiungi, addi coniunctivo (Marc.Cap.3.83)—to be used with the conjunctive mood.

copia, ubertas verborum—profusion of words.

verbis abundantem esse, abundare—to be rich in words.

inopia verborum—poverty of expression.

lectissimis verbis uti (De Or.3.37)—to employ carefully chosen expressions.

prisca, obsoleta (opp. usitata), ambigua verba—obsolete, ambiguous expressions.

locutio (Brut.74.258)—a phrase.

verbo, nomine; re, re quidem vera—nominally; really.

si verba spectas—literally.

verbis alicuius, e.g. salutare (Liv.9.36)—in some one's name; on some one's behalf (not nomine alicuius).

haec verba sunt (Ter.Phorm.3.2.32)—these are mere empty phrases.

inanis verborum sonitus—mere words; empty sound.

inanium verborum flumen—senseless rant.

flosculi, rhetorum pompa—fine, rhetorical phrases.

voces iacere (Sall.Iug.11)—to let fall an expression.

nullum (omnino) verbum facere—to not say a word.

ne verbum (without unum) quidem de aliquo facere—to say not a syllable about a person.

verba facere (de aliqua re, apud aliquem)—to speak on a subject.

verbum ex aliquo elicere—to extract a word from some one.

verbis concertare or altercari cum aliquo (B.C.3.19.6)—to hold an altercation with a man.

verborum concertatio—an altercation, debate.

pauca dicere (pauca verba dicere only of the orator)—to say only a few words.

omnia verba huc redeunt—all this means to say.

nullum verbum ex ore eius excidit (or simply ei)—no word escaped him.

verbo parum valere (Tusc.3.5.11)—to unable to find a suitable expression.

verbum prorsus nullum intellegere—not to understand a single word.

huic rei deest apud nos vocabulum—we have no expression for that.

inducere novum verbum in latinam linguam—to introduce a new word into the Latin language.

verba parere, fingere, facere—to invent, form words.

nominum interpretatio—etymology (not etymologia).

vocabulum,[1] verbum, nomen ducere ab, ex...—to form, derive a word from...(used of the man who first creates the word).

verbum ductum esse a...putare—to derive a word from...(used of an etymologist).

originem verbi repetere a...—to derive a word from...(used of an etymologist).

nomina enodare or verborum origines quaerere, indagare—to give the etymological explanation of words.

nomen amicitiae (or simply amicitia) dicitur ab amando—the word amicitia comes from amare

in aliqua re dici—to be used in speaking of a thing.

quid significat, sonat haec vox?—what is the meaning, the original sense of this word?

quae est vis huius verbi?—what is the meaning, the original sense of this word?

quae notio or sententia subiecta est huic voci?—what is the meaning, the original sense of this word?

vis et notio verbi, vocabuli—the fundamental meaning of a word.

vox, nomen carendi or simply carere hoc significat (Tusc.1.36.88)—the word carere means...

quem intellegimus sapientem?—what do we understand by "a wise man"?

quae intellegitur virtus—what do we mean by "virtue"?

quid est virtus?—what do we mean by "virtue"?

idem valere, significare, declarare—to have the same meaning.

vocabula idem fere declarantia—synonyms.

vocabulum latius patet—the word has a more extended signification.

vocabulum angustius valet—the word has a narrow meaning.

iracundiam sic (ita) definiunt, ut ulciscendi libidinem esse dicant or ut u.libido sit or iracundiam sic definiunt, ulc.libidinem—anger is defined as a passionate desire for revenge.

in bonam (malam) partem accipere aliquid—to take a thing in good (bad) part.

aemulatio dupliciter dicitur, ut et in laude et in vitio hoc nomen sit—the word aemulatio is employed with two meanings, in a good and a bad sense.

verba ac litteras or scriptum (legis) sequi (opp. sententia the spirit)—to hold by the letter (of the law).

hoc vocabulum generis neutri (not neutrius) est)—this word is neuter.

ordo verborum (Or.63.214)—the order of words.

vocabulum proprium—the proper term; a word used strictly.

verbum translatum (Or.27.92)—a figurative expression; a word used metaphorically.

translatio—a metaphor.

verba composita[2]—well-arranged words.

verborum immutatio—a trope; metonymy.

continua translatio (Or.27.94)—an allegory; continuous metaphor.

simili uti—to employ a comparison, simile.

dissimulatio (Off.1.30.108)—irony.

vetus (verbum) est (c. Acc. c. Inf.) —it was said long ago that...

ut est in proverbio—as the proverb says.

ut or quod or quomodo aiunt, ut or quemadmodum dicitur—as the proverb says.

in proverbii consuetudinem or simply in proverbium venire—to pass into a proverb.

proverbii locum obtinere (Tusc.4.16.36)—to be used as a proverb.

hoc est Graecis hominibus in proverbio—this is a proverb among the Greeks.

bene illo Graecorum proverbio praecipitur—that Greek proverb contains an excellent lesson.

vetamur vetere proverbio—an old proverb tells us not to...

proverbium vetustate or sermone tritum (vid. sect. II. 3, note tritus...)—an old proverb which every one knows.

syllabam, litteram producere (opp. corripere) (Quintil.9.4.89)—to lengthen the pronunciation of a syllable or letter.

haec vox longa syllaba terminatur, in longam syllabam cadit, exit—this word ends in a long syllable.

oriri a longa (De Or.1.55.236)—to begin with a long syllable.

syllabarum auceps—a verbal, petty critic; a caviller.

verborum aucupium or captatio—minute, pedantic carping at words.

litteras exprimere (opp. obscurare)—to pronounce the syllables distinctly.

ad litteram, litterate—to the letter; literally.

litterarum[3] ordo—the alphabet.

litterae, elementa—the alphabet.

ad litteram or litterarum ordine digerere—to arrange in alphabetical order.

[1] verbum derivare means to form new words from words which exist already, e.g. by adding a syllable, Atrides from Atreus. For word-building, cf. Cic.De Or.3.37 and 38; Hor.A.P.46

[2] Compound words = verba copulata, iuncta (Or.48.159), coniuncta, cf. Cic.De Or.3.38.154

[3] Cf. quarta elementorum littera, the fourth letter of the alphabet (Suet.Iul.56).

9.Writing—Writers—Books

litteris mandare or consignare aliquid (Acad.2.1.2)—to put down in writing.

litteris persequi (vid. sect. VIII. 2, note persequi...) aliquid—to treat in writing.

scriptor (not auctor = guarantor)—the writer, author.

scribere—to take to writing, become an author.

ad scribendum or ad scribendi studium se conferre—to become a writer, embrace a literary career.

animum ad scribendum appellere, applicare—to become a writer, embrace a literary career.

librum scribere, conscribere—to write a book.

librum conficere, componere (De Sen.1.2)—to compose, compile a book.

librum edere (Div.1.3.6)—to publish a book.

librum evolvere, volvere—to open a book.

volumen explicare—to open a book.

librum mittere ad aliquem (Fin.1.3.8)—to dedicate a book to some one.

index, inscriptio[1] libri—the title of a book.

liber inscribitur[2] Laelius (Off.2.9.30)—the book is entitled "Laelius".

Cicero dicit in Laelio (suo) or in eo (not suo) libro, qui inscribitur Laelius—Cicero says in his "Laelius."

est liber de...—there exists a book on...

exstat liber (notice the order of the words)—the book is still extant.

liber intercidit, periit—the book has been lost.

liber deperditus—a book which has been entirely lost sight of.

liber perditus—a lost book of which fragments (relliquiae, not fragmenta) remain.

liber qui fertur alicuius—a book which is attributed to some one.

nescio quis—an anonymous writer.

liber refertur ad nescio quem auctorem—the book is attributed to an unknown writer.

hic liber est de amicitia (not agit) or hoc libro agitur de am.—the book treats of friendship.

libro continetur aliquid—the book contains something... (not continet aliquid).

libro scriptor complexus est aliquid—the book contains something... (not continet aliquid).

in extremo libro (Q.Fr.2.7.1)—at the end of the book.

liber mihi est in manibus—to be engaged on a book.

librum in manibus habere (Acad.1.1.2)—to be engaged on a book.

liber, oratio in manibus est—the book, speech can easily be obtained.

librum in manus sumere—to take up a book in one's hands.

librum de manibus ponere[3]—to lay down a book (vid. sect. XII. 3, note vestem deponere...).

perpolire, limare diligenter librum, opus—to polish, finish a work with the greatest care.

extrema manus accēdit operi (active extremam manum imponere operi)—to put the finishing touch to a work.

liber accurate, diligenter scriptus—a carefully written book.

aliquid, multa ex Ciceronis libris excerpere (not excerpere librum)—to make extracts from Cicero's writings.

aliquid in commentarios suos referre (Tusc.3.22.54)—to enter a thing in one's note-book.

librum annotare, interpolare, distinguere—to furnish a book with notes, additional extracts, marks of punctuation.

se abdere in bibliothecam suam—to bury oneself in one's library.

Platonem legere, lectitare—to read Plato.

locum Platonis afferre, proferre (not citare)—to quote a passage of Plato.

scriptor hoc loco dicit—our (not noster) author tells us at this point.

Cicero loco quodam haec dicit—Cicero says this somewhere.

Platonem legere et cognoscere—to study Plato.

legendo percurrere aliquid—to read cursorily.

apud Platonem scriptum videmus,[4] scriptum est or simply est—we read in Plato.

in Platonis Phaedone scriptum est—in Plato's "Phaedo" we read.

verba, oratio, exemplum scriptoris—the text of the author (not textus).

legentes, ii qui legunt[5]—the reader.

languorem, molestiam legentium animis afferre—to weary, bore the reader.

liber plenus delectationis—a very charming book.

alicuius mens in scriptis spirat—a man's soul breathes through his writings.

mendum (scripturae) (Fam.6.7.1)—a clerical error, copyist's mistake.

mendose scriptum—full of orthographical errors.

labi in scribendo—to make a mistake in writing.

mendosum esse (Verr.2.4.77)—(1) to make frequent mistakes in writing; (2) to be full of mistakes (speaking of a passage).

inducere verbum (Phil.13.19.43)—to strike out, delete a word.

[1] Not titulus which means—(1) an inscription on a tomb, monument; (2) public notice, e.g. an advertisement of a sale, sub titulum misit lares (Ov.) ; (3) metaph. title, honour, e.g. consulatus, coniugisIt is only in very late writers that it = a title of a book.

[2] The perfect inscriptus est is only used when the writer himself is speaking of his book, e.g. de senectute disputavi eo libro, qui Cato maior inscriptus est, "... which I have entitled Cato maior."

[3] Distinguish the two verbs ponere = to set down for a moment temporarily, and deponere to lay aside, abandon altogether. Cf. vincere and devincere, perdere and deperdere

[4] legere in this connection only in the perfect.

[5] Not lector, which means a professional reader, cf. De Or.2.55.223. Similarly "audience" = ii qui audiunt or audientes (usually in oblique cases). Words in -tor and -trix always denote those who do something habitually or for some permanent object. Thus of functionaries—censor, dictator, quaestor; of artisans—fictor sculptor, institor retail dealer, mercator wholesale merchant, structor mason; of people who are always showing some distinguishing quality or defect—calumniator, ratiocinator; of those who have performed a feat so remarkable as to confer on them a durable characteristic—creator urbis (Romulus), servator Graeciae (Themistocles), Cimbrorum victor (Marius), etc.

10.Letters

epistulam (litteras) dare, scribere, mittere ad aliquem—to write a letter to some one.

epistula ad Atticum data, scripta, missa or quae ad A.scripta est—a letter to Atticus.

epistulam dare alicui ad aliquem—to charge some one with a letter for some one else.

epistulam reddere alicui (Att.5.21.4)—to deliver a letter to some one (used of the messenger).

epistularum commercium—correspondence.

litterae missae et allatae—correspondence.

colloqui cum aliquo per litteras—to correspond with some one.

litteras inter se dare et accipere—to be in correspondence with...

litteras perferre aliquo—to take a letter somewhere.

epistulam signare, obsignare—to seal, fasten a letter.

epistulam solvere, aperire, resignare (of Romans also linum incīdere)—to open a letter.

epistulam intercipere (Att.1.13.2)—to intercept a letter.

epistulam deprehendere—to take forcible possession of a letter.

litteras recitare (Att.8.9.2)—to read a letter aloud (in public).

litterae hoc exemplo (Att.9.6.3)—a letter, the tenor of which is...

litterae in hanc sententiam or his verbis scriptae sunt—the terms, contents of the letter are as follows.

Kalendis Ianuariis Romā (dabam)—Rome, January 1st.

dies (fem. in this sense)—the date.

pater optime[1] or carissime, mi pater (vid. sect. XII. 10)—my dear father.

litteras reddere datas a.d.Kal.X.Octob.—to deliver a letter dated September 21st.

[1] Neither amatus nor dilectus can be used in this connection.