gerundive etymology

Etymology:

Gerundive: Late Latin gerundivus, from gerere "to bear, carry out"

Meaning:

A gerundive is a verbal adjective that expresses obligation, necessity, or purpose. It is formed from the present stem of a verb by adding -endus/-enda/-endum for the active voice or -endus/-enda/-endum for the passive voice.

Origin:

The gerundive originated in Classical Latin as a verbal adjective used to express obligation or necessity. It was formed by adding the suffix -ndus to the present stem of a verb. Over time, the gerundive developed additional uses, such as expressing purpose or intent.

Examples:

  • Active Voice:
    • legendus (to be read)
    • scribendus (to be written)
  • Passive Voice:
    • laudandus (to be praised)
    • vincendus (to be conquered)

Usage:

Gerundives are used in a variety of constructions, including:

  • With the verb sum to express obligation or necessity:
    • Liber legendus est. (The book must be read.)
  • With other verbs to express purpose or intent:
    • Scribo epistolam scribendam. (I write a letter to be written.)
  • As attributive adjectives:
    • Liber legendus est optimus. (The book to be read is the best.)

gerundive relate terms

  • gerund

    Etymology The word gerund comes from the Latin word gerundivum which means to be do

  • gest

    Etymology The word gest derives from the Old French word geste meaning deed exp

  • viand

    Viand has a long and complex etymology having been borrowed several times into English

  • provender

    Etymology Middle English provender from Anglo Norman French provende from Latin prov

  • referendum

    Etymology From French référendum From Latin referendus the gerundive form of referre

  • memorandum

    Etymology and Meaning The term memorandum is derived from the Latin word memorandum

  • dividend

    Etymology Middle English dividende from Latin dividendus from dividere to divide

  • judge

    Etymology Latin judex meaning judge Proto Indo European root dyeu or diu

  • algebra

    Etymology The word algebra comes from Arabic الجبر al jabr meaning reunion

  • cynic

    Etymology The word cynic comes from the Greek word κυνικός kunikos which me