Editing: Supines in Latin

Make changes to the article content below. You can preview your changes or see a diff comparing to the original text.

4,522 characters

# 1. Essentials at a Glance
The **Latin supine** is a specialized verbal noun seen only in two singular cases: the **accusative** (-um) and the **ablative** (-ū). It might look minor, but it **packs stylistic punch** and seamlessly merges nominal and verbal functions. In practice, the accusative supine often expresses **purpose** after verbs of motion (e.g., *īre rogātum*), while the ablative supine frequently joins adjectives or impersonal constructions to show **respect** or specification (e.g., *mīrābile dictū*).

---

# 2. Definition & Importance
A **Latin supine** is a non-finite verb form that functions as a **verbal noun**, taking only accusative (-um) and ablative (-ū) endings. Used mainly for **purpose** (accusative) and **specification** or **respect** (ablative), the supine helps intermediate and advanced learners grasp concise expressions in Latin that capture meaning with minimal words. Understanding the supine is key to avoiding **common errors in Latin supine examples**, such as misreading these forms as participles or gerunds. Its **importance** lies in how it enriches Latin syntax and clarity, revealing the language’s condensed power.

---

# 3. Forms & Morphology
Below is a simplified table showing the **two supine forms**. While the fourth principal part of a verb often ends in *-tus* or *-sus*, the supine specifically uses:

| Case       | Ending | Example Stem | Example Supine |
|------------|--------|-------------|----------------|
| Accusative | -um    | rogā-       | **rogātum**    |
| Ablative   | -ū     | rogā-       | **rogātū**     |

- The **accusative supine** in *-um* often appears with verbs of motion to express purpose (e.g., *rogātum*).
- The **ablative supine** in *-ū* usually appears with adjectives or impersonal verbs for **respect/specification** (e.g., *dictū*).

---

# 4. Usage & Examples

**(1) Mittunt lēgātōs *rogātum* auxilium**  
*They send envoys to ask for help.*  
*Analysis:* The **accusative supine** (*rogātum*) follows *mittunt* (a motion verb) to convey purpose—“to ask.”

**(2) Dō fīliam *nūptum***  
*I give my daughter in marriage.*  
*Analysis:* Although *dare* is not a pure motion verb, *nūptum dare* is an idiomatic usage meaning “to give (her) away to be married.”

**(3) *Mīrābile dictū***  
*Wonderful to say.*  
*Analysis:* The **ablative supine** (*dictū*) pairs with *mīrābile*. This construction expresses respect: “wonderful in the saying.”

**(4) *Pudet dictū***  
*It is shameful to say.*  
*Analysis:* Rarely, the ablative supine appears with impersonal verbs like *pudet*, highlighting the action’s nature (“shameful in the saying”).

**(5) Īre *servītum***  
*To go to serve.*  
*Analysis:* A classic **accusative supine** after a motion verb. The compact form intensifies the sense of purpose (“going to be enslaved/serve”).

---

# 5. Common Pitfalls
- **Misreading the supine as a participle**: For instance, *rogātum* might be mistaken for “having been asked” instead of “to ask.”  
- **Mixing up purpose expressions**: Confusing supine usage with gerund or infinitive constructions.  
- **Overusing the ablative supine**: Classical prose often prefers *ad* + gerund(ive) with adjectives like *facilis*.  
- **Ignoring syntax cues**: Supines typically come right after a motion verb (accusative) or an adjective/impersonal verb (ablative).

---

# 6. Additional Notes & Nuances
Though **limited** in form, the supine plays a **significant role** in Latin style. It offers **brevity** where a full *ut* clause might otherwise appear, packing rhetorical force in concise expressions like *mīrābile dictū*. Scholars debate the ablative supine’s origins—some see it as an old **dative**; however, by classical times it functioned like an **ablative of respect**. In later Latin and among certain authors, supines gave way to more frequent gerund(ive) constructions, but the supine remained a **hallmark of polished, classical usage** and a favorite in poetry.

---

# 7. Key Takeaways
- **Identify Purpose**: The accusative supine appears chiefly with verbs of motion to convey purpose.  
- **Express Specification**: The ablative supine pairs with adjectives or impersonal verbs to show respect or dimension.  
- **Check Context**: Distinguish supines from participles or gerunds by examining surrounding syntax.  
- **Rare Yet Potent**: Though not overly common, supines lend **conciseness** and **style** to Latin.  
- **Verb Stem Knowledge**: Recognizing principal parts helps form or recognize supines accurately.

Document Structure

H11. Essentials at a Glance
H12. Definition & Importance
H13. Forms & Morphology
H14. Usage & Examples
H15. Common Pitfalls
H16. Additional Notes & Nuances
H17. Key Takeaways

Markdown Help

# Heading 1Main Title

## Heading 2Section Title

**bold text**Bold Text

*italic text*Italic Text

[Link](https://...)Hyperlink

1. ItemNumbered List

- ItemBullet List