1. Essentials at a Glance

Latin Second Conjugation Verbs are those whose present infinitive ends in -ēre and whose present stem typically features a long ē. Examples include monēre (“to advise”), vidēre (“to see”), and habēre (“to have/hold”). These verbs matter because they form one of the four main verb groups in Latin grammar—each with distinct endings and patterns. A solid grasp of second conjugation improves reading fluency and helps learners recognize key morphological cues in more advanced texts.

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2. Definition & Importance

In Latin grammar, Second Conjugation Verbs are identified by the present infinitive ending -ēre (e.g. monēre). They commonly express states, conditions, or perceptions (like vidēre, “to see,” or dolēre, “to feel pain”).
Why it matters: Mastering these endings and recognizing their forms is crucial to avoiding common errors in Latin second conjugation, ensuring accurate verb parsing, correct translation, and a deeper understanding of Latin syntax and morphology.

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3. Forms & Morphology

Below is a brief morphological overview for a model second conjugation verb, moneō, monēre, monuī, monitum (to advise, warn). Notice the long ē in the present system and the typical -uī perfect form.

Present System (Active)

Perfect System (Active)

• Perfect: monuī, monuistī, monuit, monuimus, monuistis, monuērunt
• Pluperfect: monueram, monuerās, …, monuerant
• Future Perfect: monuerō, monueris, …, monuerint

Passive forms follow the same tense patterns, substituting passive endings (-r, -ris, -tur, -mur, -minī, -ntur) or using the perfect participle (monitus, -a, -um) with forms of esse (e.g., monitus sum).

Most second conjugation verbs fit this pattern, though several have irregular perfects (like sedeō → sēdī) or lack a fourth principal part (timeō, “to fear,” often omits the supine). A handful are semi-deponent (e.g., audeō, audēre, ausus sum).

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4. Usage & Examples

When to use it: Second conjugation verbs cover a broad semantic range—states (tacēre, “be silent”), perceptions (vidēre, “see”), or mental/emotional processes (timēre, “fear”). They follow standard Latin syntax but can introduce fear clauses, take datives, or govern infinitives.

Classical Latin Examples

1. Virgil, Aeneid 2.49:
   “Timeō Danaōs et dōna ferentēs.”
   “I fear the Greeks, even bearing gifts.”

   • timeō (2nd conj.) straightforwardly takes Danaōs as its object.

2. Cicero, In Catilinam I.2:
   “Senātus haec intellegit, cōnsul videt.”
   “The Senate understands these things; the consul sees them.”

   • videt (from vidēre) underscores direct perception.

3. Catullus 8.12:
   “Valē puella.”
   “Farewell, girl.”

   • Valē is the imperative of valeō (“be well”), used idiomatically for “goodbye.”

4. Livy (paraphrased):
   “…nē in aciem ēgredī audēret…”
   “…(he) did not dare to go out into the battle line…”

   • audēret shows audeō (semi-deponent), with a complementary infinitive.

5. Cato the Elder:
   “Ceterum censeō Carthāginem dēlendam esse.”
   “Moreover, I propose that Carthage must be destroyed.”

   • censeō (2nd conj.) introduces a formal opinion.

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5. Common Pitfalls

• Mixing Up Conjugations: Without macrons, -ere can look like third conjugation; always check principal parts.
• Irregular Perfects: Verbs like maneō → mānsī, iubeō → iussī, sedeō → sēdī require memorization.
• Semi-Deponents: audeō, gaudeō, soleō have active presents but perfects in passive form (e.g. ausus sum).
• Impersonal Verbs: licet, oportet, etc., appear only in the third person. Misreading them can cause case and agreement errors.

Strategy: Memorize principal parts meticulously, learn which verbs take special constructions (e.g., dative objects like nocēre alicui), and practice with short sentences to avoid common errors in second conjugation verbs.

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6. Additional Notes & Nuances

• State/Condition Emphasis: Many second conjugation verbs (valēre, tacēre, patēre) express ongoing states rather than discrete actions.
• Semi-Deponent Patterns: Audeō (to dare) or gaudeō (to rejoice) use perfect participles (ausus, gāvīsus) with active meaning—an inheritance from older “middle voice” nuances.
• Historical Shifts: In early Latin, grammarians grouped some -ēre and -ĕre verbs together until they standardized a four-conjugation system.
• Poetic License: Poets might contract certain forms (monuēre → monuēre) or play with vowel length for metrical reasons.

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7. Key Takeaways

• Identify second conjugation verbs by their infinitive ending -ēre and a first person singular in -eō (e.g., moneō).
• Memorize all four principal parts (especially if the perfect or supine is irregular).
• Watch for dative-taking verbs (e.g., placēre, parēre) and semi-deponents (audeō, gaudeō).
• Remember the -bō, -bi, -bu future tense forms for 1st/2nd conjugations (monēbō, monēbis…).
• Practice principal parts to avoid mixing second and third conjugation endings.