1. Essentials at a Glance

Predicate adjectives in Latin describe the subject (or object) through a linking verb (commonly esse) or similar constructions. Unlike attributive adjectives, they stand in the predicate to assert a quality or state of a noun. Mastering them is crucial for accurate sentence analysis and for reading advanced Latin texts. Proper case, gender, and number agreement can get tricky, but once learned, predicate adjectives unlock clearer comprehension of classical Latin’s descriptive power.

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2. Definition & Importance

A predicate adjective in Latin grammar is an adjective that completes the meaning of a linking verb (like sum, esse or fio, “to become”) by describing a noun. In Latin predicate adjective examples, the adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case but is placed in the predicate. Learning this prevents common errors in predicate adjectives, such as mismatched agreement. Since Latin often omits forms of esse, recognizing these complements is essential for mastering Latin syntax, morphology, and nuanced reading of classical texts.

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3. Forms & Morphology

Predicate adjectives use standard Latin adjective endings, matching the noun they describe. Below is a sample table for 1st/2nd declension (bonus, -a, -um) and 3rd declension (acer, acris, acre) in the nominative singular:

• Agreement: A predicate adjective must match the noun’s grammatical gender (m./f./n.), number (sing./pl.), and case (often nominative for subjects, accusative for objects in factitive constructions).
• Exceptions: Some adjectives (e.g. necesse) are indeclinable or used primarily in predicate position. They still function as predicate adjectives even without standard endings.

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4. Usage & Examples

When Used

• With sum and other linking verbs: puella est pulchra (“the girl is beautiful”).
• As object complements: fēcērunt eum fēlīcem (“they made him happy”).
• In indirect statements: scīō hostēs parātōs esse (“I know the enemies are ready”).

Classical Latin Examples

1. Omnia praeclāra rara sunt.

   • All excellent things are rare.
   • praeclāra and rara (neuter plural) describe omnia via sunt.

2. Cicerō clārus ōrātor fuit.

   • Cicero was a famous orator.
   • clārus is nominative masculine singular, complementing Cicerō.

3. Fēcērunt eum fortem.

   • They made him brave.
   • fortem (acc. masc. sing.) matches the object eum in a factitive construction.

4. Dīxit mīlitēs fessōs esse.

   • He said the soldiers were tired.
   • fessōs (acc. pl.) agrees with mīlitēs in an indirect statement.

5. Dulce et decōrum est prō patriā morī. (Horace)

   • It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.
   • dulce and decōrum are neuter singular predicate adjectives describing the infinitive action morī.

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5. Common Pitfalls

• Forgetting Agreement: A predicate adjective must match its noun in gender, number, and case.
• Omitting the Right Case: Remember accusative for object complements (e.g. putō eum stultum).
• Mixed-Gender Subjects: Latin typically uses masculine plural if any masculine person is included, or neuter plural for inanimate mixes.
• Mistaking Attributive for Predicative: Verify whether the adjective modifies the noun in a phrase or completes a linking verb.
• Overlooking Implied Esse: In proverbs or Tacitean brevity, esse may be missing but still implied.

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6. Additional Notes & Nuances

Latin’s flexible word order means predicate adjectives can appear before or after the verb. In poetry or later prose (e.g., Tacitus), esse is often dropped, requiring readers to infer it. Some predicate adjectives—like frugi or necesse—lack typical endings and function indeclinably. When multiple nouns of different genders are described, authors may default to the masculine or use neuter to emphasize an abstract idea. These stylistic choices reflect authorial emphasis and rhetorical flair.

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7. Key Takeaways

• Always match the noun’s gender, number, and case.
• Watch for omitted copulas (especially in proverbs or compressed style).
• Use the correct case for object complements in factitive or naming verbs.
• Mixed-gender subject rule: typically masculine for people, neuter for things.
• Recognize elliptical expressions in poetry and advanced prose.