Language/Latin/Grammar/Adjective-Declensions
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Adjective Declensions in Latin
In the previous lessons, we have covered the concept of noun declensions in Latin, including the five different declensions and their respective endings. Now, we are going to learn about adjective declensions, which are the keys to understanding how to modify nouns with adjectives.
Adjectives are words that describe or modify nouns and pronouns. They usually come before the noun they modify and agree with the noun in gender, number, and case. Therefore, it is important to learn the three different declensions of adjectives and their respective endings to correctly modify nouns.
First Declension Adjective Endings
The first declension of adjectives in Latin consists of adjectives that end in -a in the feminine nominative singular. Some common examples of first declension adjectives are bona (good-feminine), alta (high-feminine), and longa (long-feminine). The endings for first declension adjectives are:
| Latin | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| bona | [ˈbo.na] | good (feminine) |
| bonae | [ˈbo.nae̯] | good (feminine plural) |
| bonum | [ˈbo.num] | good (neuter) |
| boni | [ˈbo.ni] | good (masculine plural) |
| bono | [ˈbo.noː] | good (masculine) |
| bonae | [ˈbo.nae̯] | good (feminine plural) |
| bonis | [ˈbo.nis] | good (nominative neuter plural / dative plural) |
| bonis | [ˈbo.nis] | good (ablative plural) |
Second Declension Adjective Endings
The second declension of adjectives in Latin consists of adjectives that end in -us in the masculine nominative singular and -um in the neuter nominative singular. Some common examples of second declension adjectives are magnus (large-masculine), pulcher (beautiful-masculine), and bonum (good-neuter). The endings for second declension adjectives are:
| Latin | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| magnus | [ˈmaŋ.nʊs] | large (masculine) |
| magni | [ˈmaŋ.ni] | large (masculine plural) |
| magnum | [ˈmaŋ.nʊm] | large (neuter) |
| magna | [ˈmaŋ.na] | large (feminine) |
| magnae | [ˈmaŋ.nae̯] | large (feminine plural) |
| magnis | [ˈmaŋ.nɪs] | large (nominative neuter plural / dative plural / ablative plural) |
| magno | [ˈmaŋ.noː] | large (masculine dative) |
Third Declension Adjective Endings
The third declension of adjectives in Latin is a bit more complex but has several common endings. Some common examples of third declension adjectives are fortis (strong), tristis (sad), and acer (sharp). The endings for third declension adjectives are:
| Latin | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| viris | [ˈwɪ.rɪs] | manly; brave (m. or f.) |
| fortis | [ˈfɔr.tɪs] | strong (m. or f.) |
| tristis | [ˈtrɪs.tɪs] | sad (m. or f.) |
| acer | [ˈa.kɛr] | sharp (m. or f.) |
| anter | [ˈan.tɛr] | old (m. or f.) |
| ostendrum | [ɔsˈtɛn.drum] | outstretched (neuter) |
| locus | [ˈlɔ.kʊs] | place (m. or f.) |
| vehemens | [wɛˈhe.mɛns] | fast (m. or f.) |
| fallis | [ˈfa.llɪs] | deceitful (m. or f.) |
| felix | [ˈfe.lɪks] | happy (m. or f.) |
| volucris | [ˈwɔlʊ.krɪs] | bird-like (m. or f.) |
| omnis | [ˈɔmnɪs] | every (m. or f.) |
| omnia | [ˈɔm.ni.a] | every (neuter plural) |
| magnis | [ˈmaŋ.nɪs] | great (nominative neuter plural / dative plural / ablative plural) |
| magistri | [maˈɡɪs.tri] | of the magistrate (m. or f.) |
| magistrum | [maˈɡɪs.trʊm] | of the magistrate (neuter) |
| partis | [ˈpɑr.tɪs] | partial (m. or f.) |
| partium | [ˈpɑr.tɪ.ũː] | partial (neuter) |
| multa | [ˈmul.ta] | many (feminine plural) |
| multae | [ˈmul.tae̯] | many (feminine plural) |
| multum | [ˈmul.tʊm] | many (neuter) |
| multi | [ˈmul.ti] | many (masculine plural) |
| sincerus | [sɪŋˈke.rʊs] | sincere (m. or f.) |
| tantus | [ˈtan.tʊs] | so great (m. or f.) |
Conclusion
Learning the concept of adjective declensions in Latin is important for beginners to correctly modify nouns in sentences. In this lesson, we covered the three different declensions of adjectives and their respective endings. By understanding and practicing these declensions, students can improve their Latin vocabulary and grammar
Videos
Introduction to the Latin Adjective - YouTube
Latin Grammar - Comparative and Superlative Adjectives - YouTube
Other Lessons
- How to Use Be
- Gender
- Past Participle in Latin
- Latin Nouns
- Give your Opinion
- Imperative Tense
- Possessive Case in Latin
- Pronouns
- Definite Articles in Latin
- Present Tense
Sources
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