In the past, when Latin was a living, spoken language, students needed to learn how to determine the gender of nouns because it was necessary to make sure that the gender of adjectives and pronouns agreed with the gender of nouns to which they related. We find here in lesson 09, and detailed set of rules for determining the gender of Latin nouns.
Not only do we find a list of rules, but we find a list that was written in a poetic form so that it could be more easily memorized by students. This make the translation of the rules more difficult than usual. In this tutorial, I have provided literal and idiomatic translations with explanations for all of the rules. Students are not required to master this lesson for use in speaking Latin. I ask that students read through and study this lesson so that they can earn a passing grade on the lesson quiz on the Study Center, then move on.
The lesson begins with the following text:
Genera nominum partim ex significatione, partim ex terminatione, sed praecipue usu noscuntur.
Here we read that the genders of nouns are known partly by the meaning of the nouns, and partly by the nouns’ endings, but chiefly by their usage.
Part I. De Generibus quae ex Signifcatione Cognoscuntur
On (the) Genders (of Nouns) which from (the) Meaning (of the Nouns) are Known
Praeceptum I. De Masculinis
Rule I. Of Masculine (Nouns)
1. Quae maribus solum tribuuntur, mascula sunto
Which to males only are assigned, masculine let them be
Nouns that refer only to males, such as vir (man) or rex (king), are masculine in gender.
2. Mascula censentur specie depicta virili
Masculine are considered by appearance depicted manly
Nouns portrayed with manly characteristics, such as heros (hero) or miles (soldier), are considered masculine in gender.
3. Et quibus appositum tantum tribuisse virile
And to which adjective only to have assigned masculine
Nouns that are paired only with masculine adjectives, such as poeta (poet), are masculine in gender.
4. Credibile est veteres, ceu latro, praesul, haruspex
Credible is ancients, as latro (robber), praesul (leader), haruspex (soothsayer)
Ancient authorities confirm that nouns like latro (robber), praesul (leader), and haruspex (soothsayer) are of masculine gender.
Commentary
There are two basic ways by which the gender of Latin knowns is known: by the meanings of the nouns and by their forms. The first praecept explains how to identify masculine nouns in Latin based on their meaning, that is, the actual ideas signified by the names.
Latin nouns used to refer only to males, such as vir (man) or rex (king), are masculine in gender. If a noun names a male person or role, it’s masculine, and you should use the masculine pronoun hic (this) to mark its gender, as in hic vir (this man).
Latin nouns which name manly traits, like strength or bravery, are masculine in gender. For example, the nouns heros (hero) and miles (soldier) are masculine because they signify strong or male-like ideas (even if not explicitly male). Use the masculine pronoun hic to mark their gender, as in hic heros (this hero).
Latin nouns that are paired only with masculine adjectives are masculine. If a noun, like poeta (poet), always takes masculine adjectives such as bonus (good), it’s masculine, even if it could describe a female. Use the masculine pronoun hic to mark the gender, as in hic poeta (this poet).
Ancient writers, who are the authorities in grammatical matters, show us that nouns like latro (robber), praesul (leader), and haruspex (soothsayer) were considered to be masculine. These nouns, often tied to male roles in Roman culture, take the masculine pronoun hic, as in hic latro (this robber).
Praeceptum II. De Foemininis et Neutris
Rule II. Of Feminine and Neuter (Nouns)
5. Foeminoeum dices, quod foemina sola reposcit:
Feminine you will call, that (noun) (which) (a) woman only demands:
Nouns that refer only to women are feminine.
6. Jungito foemineis muliebri praedita forma,
Join to feminine (nouns) (those) with womanly endowed form,
Nouns described with womanly qualities are feminine.
7. Quaeque adjectivum tantum muliebre requirunt.
And which adjective only womanly require.
Nouns that are paired only with feminine adjectives are feminine.
8. Quae neutro apposito gaudent, neutralia sunto.
(Nouns) which with (a) neuter adjective rejoice, neuters let them be.
Nouns that are paired only with neuter adjectives are neuter.
Commentary
This second rule explains how to identify feminine and neuter nouns in Latin based on their meaning, endings, or the adjectives they are known to take.
Nouns referring only to women or female roles, such as femina (woman) or regina (queen), are feminine in gender. If a noun names a female person or role, it’s feminine, and you should use the feminine pronon haec (this) to mark its gender, as in haec femina (this woman).
Nouns described with womanly qualities, like beauty or grace, are feminine. For example, nympha (nymph) or dea (goddess) are feminine because they are portrayed as having feminine traits. With these nouns, use the feminine pronoun haec, as in haec nympha (this nymph).
Nouns paired only with feminine adjectives are feminine. If a noun, like puella (girl), always takes feminine adjectives such as bona (good), it’s feminine. Such nouns are marked with the the pronoun haec, as in haec puella (this girl).
Nouns paired only with neuter adjectives are neuter. If a noun, like bellum (war), always takes neuter adjectives such as bonum (good), it’s neuter. Use the neuter pronoun hoc (this) to mark the gender, as in hoc bellum (this war).
Praeceptum III. De Communibus
Rule III. Concerning Common (Nouns)
9. Est commune duum, sexum quod claudit utrumque
Is common of two, gender which includes both
Nouns that can refer to both males and females are of common gender, including either sex.
10. Articulo gemino, veluti bos, fortis et hostis
With article double, as bos (ox), fortis (strong), and hostis (enemy)
Common nouns can take both masculine and feminine articles or adjectives, such as bos (ox), fortis (strong), and hostis (enemy).
11. Antistes, juvenis, vates, patruelis et infans
Antistes (priest), juvenis (youth), vates (prophet), patruelis (cousin), and infans (infant)
Nouns like antistes (priest), juvenis (youth), vates (prophet), patruelis (cousin), and infans (infant) are common gender, referring to either males or females.
12. Affinis, miles cum cive, cliente, sacerdos
Affinis (relative), miles (soldier) with cive (citizen), cliente (client), sacerdos (priest)
Nouns such as affinis (relative), miles (soldier), civis (citizen), cliens (client), and sacerdos (priest) are common gender, applicable to both males and females.
13. Et comes atque canis, sus, dux auctorque parensque
And comes (companion) and canis (dog), sus (pig), dux (leader), auctor (author), and parens (parent)
Nouns like comes (companion), canis (dog), sus (pig), dux (leader), auctor (author), and parens (parent) are common gender, referring to either males or females.
13. Municipi conjux, adolescens, augur adhaerent
Municeps (citizen), conjux (spouse), adolescens (youth), augur (augur) they belong
Nouns such as municeps (citizen), conjux (spouse), adolescens (youth), and augur (augur) are common gender, able to describe both males and females.
Commentary
Praecept III explains how to identify common nouns in Latin, which are nouns that can be either masculine or feminine depending on the gender of the person or animal they refer to. “Common (nouns)” refers to nouns of commune genus (common gender), meaning they have one form but can take masculine or feminine adjectives and articles (hic for male, haec for female) based on the biological sex of the object named. For example, bos (ox) is a common noun because it can describe a male ox (hic bos) or a female cow (haec bos). This rule lists nouns that fit this pattern and provides guidance on their usage.
Nouns are of common gender if they can refer to both male and female beings. These nouns, like canis (dog), include both sexes in one word. Use hic for a male (e.g., hic canis = this male dog) or haec for a female (e.g., haec canis = this female dog).
Common nouns can take both masculine and feminine adjectives, as shown by examples bos (ox/cow), fortis (strong), and hostis (enemy). These nouns are “double” because they work with hic or haec depending on the referent’s sex. For example, hic bos (male ox) or haec bos (female cow).
Antistes, juvenis, vates, patruelis et infans lists common nouns: antistes (priest/priestess), juvenis (youth), vates (prophet), patruelis (cousin), infans (infant). These can refer to males (hic juvenis = young man) or females (haec juvenis = young woman), depending on context.
Affinis, miles cum cive, cliente, sacerdos adds more common nouns: affinis (relative), miles (soldier), civis (citizen), cliens (client), sacerdos (priest/priestess). Use hic for males (e.g., hic civis = male citizen) or haec for females (e.g., haec civis = female citizen).
Et comes atque canis, sus, dux auctorque parensque continues with comes (companion), canis (dog), sus (pig), dux (leader), auctor (author), parens (parent). These nouns are common and take hic or haec based on the referent’s sex, like hic parens (father) or haec parens (mother).
Municipi conjux, adolescens, augur adhaerent includes municeps (citizen, likely meant instead of municipi), conjux (spouse), adolescens (youth), augur (augur). These are common nouns, using hic for males (e.g., hic conjux = husband) or haec for females (e.g., haec conjux = wife).
Praeceptum IV. De Nominibus Generis Omnis
Rule IV. Concerning Nouns of Gender Every
15. Est commune trium, generi quod convenit omni.
(A Noun) is common of three, with gender which agrees every.
Nouns that can take any of the three genders—masculine, feminine, or neuter—are “common of three”.
Commentary
Praeceptum IV explains how to identify nouns that can belong to all three Latin genders—masculine, feminine, and neuter—depending on context or usage. The phrase “of gender all” refers to nouns that are not fixed to one gender but can take any of the three genders (generis omnis = all genders), making them versatile. This rule highlights a rare category of nouns that can adapt their gender based on how they are used or what they refer to, unlike most nouns that have a single, fixed gender.
Est commune trium, generi quod convenit omni means that some nouns can belong to all three genders (masculine, feminine, neuter) because they suit any gender depending on the situation. For example, a noun like hoc (this) in Latin can be masculine (hic), feminine (haec), or neuter (hoc) based on what it describes. Use hic for a male referent (e.g., hic homo = this man), haec for a female referent (e.g., haec femina = this woman), or hoc for a neuter referent (e.g., hoc bellum = this war). This rule is about flexibility: these nouns adapt their gender to match the context or the thing they point to.
Praeceptum V. De Mensibus, Montibus et Fluviis
Rule V. Concerning Months, Mountains and Rivers
16. In maribus menses, montes fluviosque repone.
Among masculine (nouns) months, mountains and rivers place.
Nouns referring to months, mountains, and rivers are masculine.
Commentary
Praecept V explains how to identify the gender of nouns that refer to months, mountains, and rivers in Latin. This rule focuses on specific categories of nouns and assigns them a consistent gender based on their semantic group, helping students recognize patterns in Latin grammar.
Nouns naming months, mountains, and rivers are masculine. For example, mensis (month), mons (mountain), and fluvius (river) are always masculine, as are specific names like Ianuarius (January), Apenninus (Apennine), and Tiberis (Tiber). You should use hic (this) with these nouns, as in hic Ianuarius (this January) or hic Tiberis (this Tiber). This rule simplifies gender identification by grouping these nouns together, so when you see a month, mountain, or river, you know it’s masculine.
Praeceptum VI. De Insulis, Regionibus, Urbibus, Navibus, Poematibus
Rule VI. Concerning Islands, Regions, Cities, Ships, Poems
17. Insula foeminea est, regio, urbs, cum nave poesis.
Island feminine is, region, city, with ship poetry.
Nouns referring to islands, regions, cities, ships, and poems are feminine.
Commentary
Precept VI explains how to identify the gender of nouns that refer to islands, regions, cities, ships, and poems in Latin. This rule groups these specific categories of nouns and assigns them a consistent gender, helping students recognize patterns in Latin grammar.
Nouns naming islands, regions, cities, ships, and poems are feminine. For example, insula (island), regio (region), urbs (city), navis (ship), and poesis (poetry) are always feminine, as are specific names like Creta (Crete), Aegyptus (Egypt), Roma (Rome), Argo (Argo, a ship), and epopeia (epic poem). You should use haec (this) with these nouns, as in haec Creta (this Crete) or haec Roma (this Rome). This rule makes it easy to assign gender by recognizing these categories, so when you see a noun for an island, region, city, ship, or poem, you know it’s feminine.
Praeceptum VII. De Arboribus
Rule VII. Of Trees
18. Foeminea est arbor: neutrum cum subere robur,
Feminine is tree: neuter with cork-tree oak,
The noun for tree is feminine, but cork-tree and oak are neuter.
19. Adde acer atque siler, sed mas oleaster habetur.
Add maple and willow, but masculine wild olive is considered.
Add maple and willow to neuter trees, but wild olive is masculine.
Commentary
Precept VII explains how to identify the gender of nouns that refer to trees in Latin. This rule focuses on the specific category of tree names and assigns genders based on general patterns and exceptions, helping students recognize the grammatical gender of these nouns.
The general noun arbor (tree) is feminine, and most tree names are feminine, but suber (cork-tree) and robur (oak) are neuter. You should use haec (this) for arbor and most tree names, as in haec quercus (this oak tree, feminine), but use hoc (this) for the exceptions suber and robur, as in hoc suber (this cork-tree).
We are taught to add acer (maple) and siler (willow) to the list of neuter tree names, but oleaster (wild olive) is an exception that is masculine. Use hoc for acer and siler, as in hoc acer (this maple), and hic (this) for oleaster, as in hic oleaster (this wild olive). This rule clarifies that while most tree names are feminine, specific trees like suber, robur, acer, and siler are neuter, and oleaster is masculine.
Praeceptum VIII. De Plurali Numero et Notis Literarum
Rule VIII. Concerning (the) Plural Number and Marks of Letters
20. Plurale A neutrum est, I mas, ut Susa, Philippi.
(A) Plural (Noun) (ending in) A neuter is, I masculine, as Susa, Philippi.
Nouns with plural forms ending in -A are neuter, and those ending in -I are masculine, as seen with Susa and Philippi.
21. Trade notas neutro et vocem pro nomine sumptam
Assign characters to (the) neuter (gender) and (a) word for (a) noun taken
Letters or abbreviations used as nouns and words considered themselves as nouns are neuter.
22. Et verbum quodvis nuda pro voce repostum.
And word any simply for word assigned.
Any word used as a noun in its basic form is neuter.
Praeceptum VIII explains how to determine the gender of nouns in the plural form, particularly tho se ending in specific letters, and nouns derived from letters or words, such as abbreviations or verbs used as nouns. This rule focuses on the grammatical gender of these special cases, helping students recognize patterns in Latin noun genders.
Plurale A neutrum est, I mas, ut Susa, Philippi means that nouns with plural forms ending in -a are neuter, while those ending in -i are masculine. For example, Susa (Susa, a city in plural form) is neuter, so you use haec (these), as in haec Susa (these Susa). Philippi (Philippi, a city in plural form) is masculine, so you use hi (these), as in hi Philippi (these Philippi). This rule helps you assign gender to place names or other nouns based on their plural endings.
Trade notas neutro et vocem pro nomine sumptam means that single letters or abbreviations used as nouns are neuter, as are words taken directly from speech to act as nouns. Use hoc (this) for these, as in hoc A (this letter A). For example, if you refer to the word amo (I love) as a noun (the word “love”), it’s neuter, as in hoc amo (this word “love”).
Et verbum quodvis nuda pro voce repostum means that any verb used as a noun in its basic form (without endings, like an infinitive) is neuter. For example, the verb amare (to love) used as a noun (the act of loving) is neuter, so you use hoc, as in hoc amare (this act of loving). This rule applies to verb forms acting as nouns, ensuring you treat them as neuter.
Part II. De Generibus quae ex Terminatione Cognoscuntur
Praeceptum IX. De Generibus, quae ex Terminatione Cognoscuntur
Rule IX. Concerning (the) Genders (of Nouns), which from (their) Termination are Known
A finita
(Nouns with) A terminated
23. Foemineum A primae est, veluti panthera, sagitta
Feminine A of first (declension) is, as panthera (panther), sagitta (arrow)
Nouns ending in -a in the first declension are feminine, such as panthera (panther) and sagitta (arrow).
24. Hadria mas aequor, mammona, cometa, planeta
Hadria (Adriatic) masculine aequor (sea), mammona (mammon), cometa (comet), planeta (planet).
Nouns ending in -a that are masculine include Hadria (Adriatic), aequor (sea), mammona (mammon), cometa (comet), and planeta (planet).
25. Sed neutris junges cum pascha manna latinis
But to neuters you shall join with pascha (Passover), manna (manna) Latin
Nouns ending in -a that are neuter, particularly Latinized Hebrew words, include pascha (Passover) and manna (manna).
26. Nomen in A ternae neutrum est, ceu stigma, toreuma
Noun in A of third (declension) neuter is, as stigma (mark), toreuma (engraving)
Nouns ending in -a in the third declension are neuter, such as stigma (mark) and toreuma (engraving).
E finita
(Nouns in) E terminated
E latiale petit neutrum, velut acre, monile
E Latin seeks neuter, as acre (bronze), monile (necklace)
Latin nouns ending in -e are neuter, such as acre (bronze) and monile (necklace).
28. Femineum est aloe Rhodopeque et cetera graeca
Feminine is aloe (aloe) and Rhodope (Rhodope) and other Greek (nouns)
Greek nouns ending in -e are feminine, such as aloe (aloe), Rhodope (Rhodope), and other Greek nouns.
I, O et U finita
(Nouns with) I, O and U terminated
29. I neutris tribue, O maribus, ceu pugio, gummi
I to neuters assign, O to masculines, as pugio (dagger), gummi (gum)
Nouns ending in -i are neuter, such as pugio (dagger) and gummi (gum), while those ending in -o are masculine.
30. Foemineis verbale in IO, caro, talio, dentur
To feminines verbal in IO, caro (flesh), talio (retaliation), let them be given
Verbal nouns ending in -io are feminine, such as caro (flesh) and talio (retaliation).
31. Portio, DO, GO finita, ut dulcedo, propago
Portio (portion), DO, GO terminating, as dulcedo (sweetness), propago (offshoot)
Nouns ending in -io, -do, or -go are feminine, such as portio (portion), dulcedo (sweetness), and propago (offshoot).
32. Testudo; verum neutris adscribito pondo
Testudo (tortoise); but to neuters assign pondo (weight)
The noun testudo (tortoise) is feminine, but pondo (weight) is neuter.
33. Harpago mas, udo, cudo, ordo, cardo ligoque
Harpago (grappling hook) masculine, udo (moisture), cudo (hammer), ordo (order), cardo (hinge), ligo (hoe) and
Nouns ending in -o that are masculine include harpago (grappling hook), udo (moisture), cudo (hammer), ordo (order), cardo (hinge), and ligo (hoe).
34. U neutris junge, ut tonitru cornuque geluque
U to neuters join, as tonitru (thunder), cornu (horn), gelu (frost) and
Nouns ending in -u are neuter, such as tonitru (thunder), cornu (horn), and gelu (frost).
C, D, L et T finita
C, D, L and T terminating
35. C, D da neutris, testes tibi lac, id et alec
C, D assign to neuters, examples to you lac (milk), id (it), and alec (herring)
Nouns ending in -c or -d are neuter, such as lac (milk), id (it), and alec (herring).
36. L, T sit neutrum; hic mugil, sal solque reposcunt
L, T let it be neuter; here mugil (mullet), sal (salt), and sol (sun) require
Nouns ending in -l or -t are neuter, such as mugil (mullet), sal (salt), and sol (sun).
UM finita
UM terminated
37. UM neutris junges, hominum si propria demas
UM to neuters you will join, of humans if proper (nouns) you take away
Nouns ending in -um are neuter, such as bellum (war), unless they are proper nouns referring to humans.
AN, IN, ON finita
AN, IN, ON terminating
38. AN, IN, ON mas: haec cum sindone poscit aedon
AN, IN, ON masculine: these with sindon (linen) demands aedon (nightingale)
Nouns ending in -an, -in, or -on are masculine, such as sindon (linen) and aedon (nightingale).
39. Queis adde alcyonem: neutris da cuncta secundae
To which add alcyon (halcyon): to neuters assign all of second (declension)
Add alcyon (halcyon) to masculine -on nouns, but all second declension nouns ending in -on or -um are neuter, such as donum (gift).
EN finita
EN terminated
40. EN dabitur neutris: sed hymen, ren mascula sunto
EN will be given to neuters: but hymen (marriage), ren (kidney) masculine let them be
Nouns ending in -en are neuter, such as nomen (name), but hymen (marriage) and ren (kidney) are masculine.
41. Et spleen atque lien, atagen cum pectine, lichen
And spleen (spleen) and lien (spleen), atagen (partridge) with pecten (comb), lichen (lichen)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -en include spleen (spleen), lien (spleen), atagen (partridge), pecten (comb), and lichen (lichen).
AR finita
AR terminating
42. Postulat AR neutrum ceu par cum nectare, calcar
Demands AR neuter as par (pair), with nectar (nectar), calcar (spur)
Nouns ending in -ar are neuter, such as par (pair), nectar (nectar), and calcar (spur).
ER finita
ER terminating
43. ER maribus dona: laver hoc, tuber, siler optant
ER to masculines assign: laver (lavender) thus, tuber (tuber), siler (willow) they desire
Nouns ending in -er are masculine, such as laver (lavender), tuber (tuber), and siler (willow).
44. Uber, iter, spinther, laser, cicer atque papaver
Uber (udder), iter (journey), spinther (bracelet), laser (silphium), cicer (chickpea), and papaver (poppy)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -er include uber (udder), iter (journey), spinther (bracelet), laser (silphium), cicer (chickpea), and papaver (poppy).
45. Ver, siser atque piper, cum verbere necte cadaver
Ver (spring), siser (skirret), and piper (pepper), with verber (whip) join cadaver (corpse)
Further masculine nouns ending in -er include ver (spring), siser (skirret), piper (pepper), and cadaver (corpse), along with verber (whip).
OR finita
OR terminating
46. OR maribus servit: muliebris demitur arbor
OR to masculines serves: feminine is removed arbor (tree)
Nouns ending in -or are masculine, such as labor (work), except arbor (tree), which is feminine.
47. Accedunt neutris cor, ador cumque aequore marmor
They go to neuters cor (heart), ador (spelt), and with aequore (sea) marmor (marble)
Nouns ending in -or that are neuter include cor (heart), ador (spelt), and marmor (marble), along with aequor (sea).
UR finita
UR terminating
48. Exigit UR neutrum: hic furfur, cum vulture turtur
Demands UR neuter: here furfur (bran), with vultur (vulture) turtur (turtledove)
Nouns ending in -ur are neuter, such as furfur (bran) and turtur (turtledove).
AS finita
AS terminating
49. Foemineum AS: neutrum vas vasis fasque nefasque
Feminine AS: neuter vas (vessel) of vas (vessel), fas (right), and nefas (wrong)
Nouns ending in -as are feminine, such as aetas (age), but vas (vessel), fas (right), and nefas (wrong) are neuter.
50. Mascula sunt elephas, adamas, as atque tiaras
Masculine are elephas (elephant), adamas (diamond), as (coin), and tiaras (tiara)
Nouns ending in -as that are masculine include elephas (elephant), adamas (diamond), as (coin), and tiaras (tiara).
51. Cumque vade ac reliquis, flectit quae prima Pelasgum
And with vas (bail) and others, bends which first Pelasgum (Greek)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -as include vas (bail) and other Greek nouns, such as Pelasgus (Greek).
ES finita
ES terminating
52. Est ES foemineum: demuntur mascula fomes
Is ES feminine: are removed masculine fomes (tinder)
Nouns ending in -es are feminine, such as nubes (cloud), except fomes (tinder), which is masculine.
53. Pes, trames, termes, gurges cum poplite, caespes
Pes (foot), trames (path), termes (branch), gurges (whirlpool), with poples (knee), caespes (turf)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -es include pes (foot), trames (path), termes (branch), gurges (whirlpool), poples (knee), and caespes (turf).
54. Vepres et palmes, stipes, limes pariesque
Vepres (thornbush) and palmes (vine-shoot), stipes (stump), limes (boundary), paries (wall) and
Further masculine nouns ending in -es include vepres (thornbush), palmes (vine-shoot), stipes (stump), limes (boundary), and paries (wall).
55. Pleraque graeca, meri nomen quibus adde diei
Most Greek (nouns), merum (wine) noun to which add dies (day)
Most Greek nouns ending in -es are masculine, such as dies (day), along with merum (wine).
56. Hippomanes neutris, panaces, cacoethes adhaerent
Hippomanes (horse-madness) to neuters, panaces (panacea), cacoethes (itch) they belong
Nouns ending in -es that are neuter include hippomanes (horse-madness), panaces (panacea), and cacoethes (itch).
IS finita
IS terminating
56. IS dato foemineis: maribus da postis, aqualis
IS to feminines assign: to masculines assign postis (post), aqualis (water-pot)
Nouns ending in -is are feminine, such as ignis (fire), but postis (post) and aqualis (water-pot) are masculine.
58. Caulisque et vectis callisque et pulvis et ensis
Caulis (stalk) and vectis (lever), callis (callus) and pulvis (dust), and ensis (sword)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -is include caulis (stalk), vectis (lever), callis (callus), pulvis (dust), and ensis (sword).
59. Glis, lapis et follis cucumisque et collis et unguis
Glis (dormouse), lapis (stone), and follis (bellows), cucumis (cucumber) and collis (hill), and unguis (nail)
Further masculine nouns ending in -is include glis (dormouse), lapis (stone), follis (bellows), cucumis (cucumber), collis (hill), and unguis (nail).
60. Et sanguis, piscis cum fascis et axis et amnis
And sanguis (blood), piscis (fish), with fascis (bundle), and axis (axle), and amnis (river)
More masculine nouns ending in -is include sanguis (blood), piscis (fish), fascis (bundle), axis (axle), and amnis (river).
61. Et vermis, torris, fustis cum vomere, mensis
And vermis (worm), torris (torch), fustis (club), with vomer (plowshare), mensis (month)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -is include vermis (worm), torris (torch), fustis (club), vomer (plowshare), and mensis (month).
62. Mugilis atque orbis, cenchris cum casse, canalis
Mugilis (mullet) and orbis (circle), cenchris (serpent), with cassis (net), canalis (channel)
Further masculine nouns ending in -is include mugilis (mullet), orbis (circle), cenchris (serpent), cassis (net), and canalis (channel).
63. NIS quoque finita, ut funis, compostaque ab asse
NIS also terminating, as funis (rope), and compounds from as (coin)
Nouns ending in -nis, such as funis (rope), and compounds derived from as (coin) are masculine.
OS finita
OS terminating
64. Mascula in OS sunto: dos, cos muliebris et arbos
Masculine in OS let them be: dos (dowry), cos (whetstone) feminine, and arbos (tree)
Nouns ending in -os are masculine, such as flos (flower), except dos (dowry), cos (whetstone), and arbos (tree), which are feminine.
65. Da chaos atque melas neutris, OS, Argos eposque
Assign chaos (chaos) and melas (blackness) to neuters, os (mouth), Argos (Argos), and epos (epic)
Nouns ending in -os that are neuter include chaos (chaos), melas (blackness), os (mouth), Argos (Argos), and epos (epic).
US secundae et quartae declinationis
US of (the) second and fourth declension
66. Nomen in US mas est seu quartae sive secundae
Noun in US masculine is whether of (the) fourth or of (the) second (declension)
Nouns ending in -us in the second or fourth declension are masculine, such as dominus (master) and fructus (fruit).
67. Porticus haec et vannus acusque et carbasus, alvus
Porticus (porch) this and vannus (winnowing-fan), acus (needle) and carbasus (sail), alvus (belly)
Nouns ending in -us that are feminine include porticus (porch), vannus (winnowing-fan), acus (needle), carbasus (sail), and alvus (belly).
68. Et colus et ficus pomum (mas morbus habetur)
And colus (distaff) and ficus (fig), pomum (fruit) (masculine morbus (disease) is considered)
Additional nouns ending in -us include colus (distaff) and ficus (fig), which are feminine, and pomum (fruit), which is neuter, while morbus (disease) is masculine.
69. Adde humus atque manus idusque tribusque domusque
Add humus (ground) and manus (hand), idus (ides) and tribus (tribes), and domus (house)
Further feminine nouns ending in -us include humus (ground), manus (hand), idus (ides), tribus (tribes), and domus (house).
70. Nomen in OS graecum, quod in US vertere Latini
Noun in OS Greek, which to US to change Latins
Greek nouns ending in -os that Latin changes to -us, such as paradisus (paradise), have varying genders.
71. Masculeis partim datur, ut paradisus et isthmus
To masculines partly is given, as paradisus (paradise) and isthmus (isthmus)
Some Greek nouns ending in -us are masculine, such as paradisus (paradise) and isthmus (isthmus).
72. Partim foemineis, veluti diphthongus, eremus
Partly to feminines, as diphthongus (diphthong), eremus (desert)
Other Greek nouns ending in -us are feminine, such as diphthongus (diphthong) and eremus (desert).
73. In neutris numera virus pelagusque profundum
In neuters count virus (poison) and pelagus (sea) and profundum (deep)
Greek nouns ending in -us that are neuter include virus (poison), pelagus (sea), and profundum (deep).
US tertiae declinationis
US of third of declension
74. Postulat US neutrum, quoties id tertia flectit
Demands US neuter, whenever it third (declension) declines
Nouns ending in -us in the third declension are neuter, such as genus (kind).
75. Mas lepus et mus, pus graecum compostaque junges
Masculine lepus (hare) and mus (mouse), pus (pus) Greek, and compounds you will join
Nouns ending in -us that are masculine include lepus (hare), mus (mouse), pus (pus, Greek), and their compounds.
76. Est muliebre palus, subscus, pulcherrima virtus
Is feminine palus (marsh), subscus (anvil), pulcherrima virtus (most beautiful virtue)
Nouns ending in -us that are feminine include palus (marsh), subscus (anvil), and virtus (virtue).
77. Atque salus pecudisque pecus, quibus additur incus
And salus (safety) and pecus (cattle) of cattle, to which is added incus (anvil)
Additional feminine nouns ending in -us include salus (safety), pecus (cattle), and incus (anvil).
78. Quaeque sibi servus juvenisque senexque jugarunt
And which to themselves servus (slave), juvenis (youth), and senex (old man) they have joined
Nouns such as servus (slave), juvenis (youth), and senex (old man) are feminine when referring to female individuals.
79. Sit quoque foemineum lagopus herba, volucris
Let it be also feminine lagopus (ptarmigan) herb, volucris (bird)
The noun lagopus (ptarmigan), whether referring to the herb or the bird, is feminine.
AES, AUS, BS, MS, NS, PS, RS finita
AES, AUS, BS, MS, NS, PS, RS terminating
80. AES tibi sit neutrum; laus, fraus muliebria sunto
Aes (bronze) to you let it be neuter; laus (praise), fraus (fraud) feminine let them be
The noun aes (bronze) is neuter, while laus (praise) and fraus (fraud) are feminine.
81. S dato foemineis, si consona ponitur ante
S to feminines assign, if consonant is placed before
Nouns ending in -s preceded by a consonant are feminine, such as urbs (city).
82. Esto virile rudens, fons, pons, seps letifer anguis
Let it be masculine rudens (rope), fons (fountain), pons (bridge), seps (snake), letifer anguis (deadly serpent)
Nouns ending in -s preceded by a consonant that are masculine include rudens (rope), fons (fountain), pons (bridge), seps (snake), and anguis (serpent).
83. Mons, dens atque chalybs: assis quibus addito partes
Mons (mountain), dens (tooth), and chalybs (steel): of as (coin) to which add partes (parts)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -s preceded by a consonant include mons (mountain), dens (tooth), and chalybs (steel), along with partes (parts) derived from as (coin).
84. Et polysyllaba PS, forceps dematur adunca
And polysyllabic PS, forceps (tongs) let it be removed hooked
Polysyllabic nouns ending in -ps are masculine, such as princeps (leader), except forceps (tongs), which is feminine.
X finita
X terminating
85. X dato foemineis: sunt mas fornixque calixque
X to feminines assign: are masculine fornix (arch) and calix (cup)
Nouns ending in -x are feminine, such as nux (nut), except fornix (arch) and calix (cup), which are masculine.
86. Grex, spadix, bombyx, tradux phoenixque calyxque
Grex (herd), spadix (branch), bombyx (silkworm), tradux (vine-shoot), phoenix (phoenix) and calyx (calyx)
Additional masculine nouns ending in -x include grex (herd), spadix (branch), bombyx (silkworm), tradux (vine-shoot), phoenix (phoenix), and calyx (calyx).
87. Et coccyx et Eryx, volvox atque unce create
And coccyx (cuckoo) and Eryx (Eryx), volvox (roller), and with unce (hooks) created
Further masculine nouns ending in -x include coccyx (cuckoo), Eryx (Eryx), and volvox (roller).
88. AX, EX finitum polysyllabon esto virile
AX, EX terminating polysyllabic let it be masculine
Polysyllabic nouns ending in -ax or -ex are masculine, such as vertex (summit).
89. Foemineum tamen est fornax alexque, supellex
Feminine however is fornax (furnace), alex (defense), and supellex (furniture)
However, nouns ending in -ax or -ex that are feminine include fornax (furnace), alex (defense), and supellex (furniture).
90. Queis addes vibex, forfex cum smilace, carex
To which you will add vibex (welt), forfex (shears), with smilax (bindweed), carex (sedge)
Additional feminine nouns ending in -ex include vibex (welt), forfex (shears), smilax (bindweed), and carex (sedge).
Praeceptum IX explains how to determine the gender of Latin nouns based on their endings, a key aspect of Latin grammar since noun endings often signal gender. This extensive rule covers various endings (-a, -e, -i, -o, -u, -c, -d, -l, -t, -um, -an, -in, -on, -en, -ar, -er, -or, -ur, -as, -es, -is, -os, -us, -aes, -aus, -bs, -ms, -ns, -ps, -rs, -x), providing general patterns and exceptions for masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns. It helps students identify gender by looking at a noun’s ending rather than its meaning, with examples to clarify usage.
Lines 23–26 (A finita): Nouns ending in -a are typically feminine in the first declension (e.g., panthera = panther, haec panthera), but masculine for some nouns like Hadria (Adriatic, hic Hadria), and neuter for third declension nouns (e.g., stigma = mark, hoc stigma) or Latinized Hebrew words (e.g., pascha = Passover, hoc pascha).
Lines 27–28 (E finita): Nouns ending in -e are usually neuter for Latin nouns (e.g., acre = bronze, hoc acre), but feminine for Greek nouns (e.g., aloe = aloe, haec aloe).
Lines 29–34 (I, O et U finita): Nouns ending in -i are neuter (e.g., pugio = dagger, hoc pugio), -o are masculine (e.g., ordo = order, hic ordo), except verbal -io nouns (e.g., caro = flesh, haec caro), -do, -go (e.g., dulcedo = sweetness, haec dulcedo), or testudo (tortoise, haec testudo), which are feminine, and -u are neuter (e.g., cornu = horn, hoc cornu).
Lines 35–36 (C, D, L et T finita): Nouns ending in -c, -d, -l, or -t are neuter (e.g., lac = milk, hoc lac; sal = salt, hoc sal).
Line 37 (UM finita): Nouns ending in -um are neuter (e.g., bellum = war, hoc bellum), except proper names like homo (human, masculine).
Lines 38–39 (AN, IN, ON finita): Nouns ending in -an, -in, -on are masculine (e.g., aedon = nightingale, hic aedon), but second declension -on or -um nouns are neuter (e.g., donum = gift, hoc donum).
Lines 40–41 (EN finita): Nouns ending in -en are neuter (e.g., nomen = name, hoc nomen), except hymen (marriage), ren (kidney), spleen (spleen), etc., which are masculine (hic hymen).
Line 42 (AR finita): Nouns ending in -ar are neuter (e.g., nectar = nectar, hoc nectar).
Lines 43–45 (ER finita): Nouns ending in -er are masculine (e.g., tuber = tuber, hic tuber; cadaver = corpse, hic cadaver).
Lines 46–47 (OR finita): Nouns ending in -or are masculine (e.g., labor = work, hic labor), except arbor (tree, haec arbor), and neuter for cor (heart, hoc cor), marmor (marble, hoc marmor).
Line 48 (UR finita): Nouns ending in -ur are neuter (e.g., furfur = bran, hoc furfur).
Lines 49–51 (AS finita): Nouns ending in -as are feminine (e.g., aetas = age, haec aetas), but neuter for vas (vessel, hoc vas), fas (right, hoc fas), and masculine for elephas (elephant, hic elephas), Greek -as nouns (hic vas = bail).
Lines 52–56 (ES finita): Nouns ending in -es are feminine (e.g., nubes = cloud, haec nubes), but masculine for pes (foot, hic pes), limes (boundary, hic limes), Greek -es (hic dies = day), and neuter for hippomanes (horse-madness, hoc hippomanes).
Lines 57–63 (IS finita): Nouns ending in -is are feminine (e.g., ignis = fire, haec ignis), but masculine for postis (post, hic postis), lapis (stone, hic lapis), -nis nouns (funis = rope, hic funis), and compounds of as (coin).
Lines 64–65 (OS finita): Nouns ending in -os are masculine (e.g., flos = flower, hic flos), but feminine for dos (dowry, haec dos), and neuter for chaos (chaos, hoc chaos).
Lines 66–73 (US secundae et quartae declinationis): Second and fourth declension -us nouns are masculine (e.g., dominus = master, hic dominus), but feminine for porticus (porch, haec porticus), manus (hand, haec manus), neuter for pomum (fruit, hoc pomum). Greek -os to -us nouns vary: masculine (paradisus = paradise, hic paradisus), feminine (diphthongus = diphthong, haec diphthongus), or neuter (virus = poison, hoc virus).
Lines 74–79 (US tertiae declinationis): Third declension -us nouns are neuter (e.g., genus = kind, hoc genus), but masculine for lepus (hare, hic lepus), feminine for virtus (virtue, haec virtus), servus (female slave, haec servus), lagopus (ptarmigan, haec lagopus).
Lines 80–84 (AES, AUS, BS, MS, NS, PS, RS finita): Aes (bronze) is neuter (hoc aes), -aus nouns like laus (praise, haec laus) are feminine, -s with a consonant is feminine (urbs = city, haec urbs), but masculine for fons (fountain, hic fons), -ps is masculine except forceps (tongs, haec forceps).
Lines 85–90 (X finita): -x nouns are feminine (e.g., nux = nut, haec nux), but masculine for fornix (arch, hic fornix), grex (herd, hic grex), polysyllabic -ax, -ex are masculine (vertex = summit, hic vertex), except fornax (furnace, haec fornax), vibex (welt, haec vibex).
Praeceptum X. De adiectivis, quae fiunt substantiva
Rule X. Concerning adjectives, which become substantives
91. Mobile fit fixum, si fixum mente subaudis
Mobile becomes fixed, if fixed in mind you imply
An adjective becomes a noun with a specific gender if a noun is implied in the mind, such as sonipes (horse).
92. Unde genus capit, ut sonipes oriensque tonansque
Whence gender it takes, as sonipes (horse), oriens (rising), and tonans (thundering)
The adjective-turned-noun takes the gender of the implied noun, such as sonipes (horse, masculine), oriens (east, feminine), and tonans (thunderer, masculine).
93. Mobile fit neutrum, ni fixum mente subaudis
Mobile becomes neuter, unless fixed in mind you imply
An adjective becomes a neuter noun if no specific noun is implied, such as bonum (good thing), unless a specific noun is implied.
Praeceptum X explains how adjectives in Latin can function as nouns (substantives) and how their gender is determined based on whether a specific noun is implied. This rule helps students understand the flexibility of adjectives and their gender assignments when they act as nouns.
Mobile fit fixum, si fixum mente subaudis means that an adjective becomes a noun with a specific gender if you imply a particular noun in your mind. For example, sonipes (sounding-footed) acts as a noun meaning “horse” and is masculine because it implies equus (horse, masculine). Use hic (this) for masculine implied nouns, as in hic sonipes (this horse).
Unde genus capit, ut sonipes oriensque tonansque means that the adjective-turned-noun takes the gender of the implied noun. For instance, sonipes (horse) is masculine (hic sonipes), oriens (rising, implying east) is feminine (haec oriens), and tonans (thundering, implying thunderer) is masculine (hic tonans). Use hic or haec based on the gender of the implied noun.
Mobile fit neutrum, ni fixum mente subaudis means that an adjective becomes a neuter noun if no specific noun is implied, making it abstract. For example, bonum (good) as a noun means “good thing” and is neuter, using hoc (this), as in hoc bonum (this good thing). Use hoc unless a specific masculine or feminine noun is implied.
Praeceptum XI. De Vi Terminationis
Rule XI. Concerning Power of Ending
94. Respicimus fines non significata frequenter
We consider (the) endings not (the) meanings (of nouns) frequently
The gender of nouns, such as urbs (city), is often determined by their endings rather than their meanings.
95. Hinc Praeneste, Reate petunt hoc, Tibur et Hispal
Hence Praeneste (Praeneste), Reate (Reate) seek hoc (this), Tibur (Tibur), and Hispal (Hispal)
City names ending in certain forms, such as Praeneste (Praeneste), Reate (Reate), Tibur (Tibur), and Hispal (Hispal), are neuter.
96. Et Caere; hic Sulmo Narboque; haec Allia flumen
And Caere (Caere); hic (this) Sulmo (Sulmo) and Narbo (Narbo); haec (this) Allia (Allia) flumen (river)
The city name Caere (Caere) is neuter, Sulmo (Sulmo) and Narbo (Narbo) are masculine, and Allia (Allia), a river, is feminine.
97. Mons Oeta haec, haec Ossa volunt, haec Trinacris Aetna
Mons (mountain) Oeta (Oeta) haec (this), haec (this) Ossa (Ossa) they wish, haec (this) Trinacris (Sicilian) Aetna (Aetna)
Mountain names such as Oeta (Oeta), Ossa (Ossa), and Trinacris Aetna (Sicilian Aetna) are feminine.
Praeceptum XI explains that the gender of certain nouns, especially place names like cities, rivers, and mountains, is often determined by their endings rather than their meaning. This rule emphasizes the importance of recognizing the “power” of a noun’s ending to assign its gender correctly, helping students identify the grammatical gender of geographical terms.
Respicimus fines non significata frequenter means that we frequently look at a noun’s ending, not its meaning, to determine its gender. For place names, the ending (like -e, -o, or -a) is a key clue to whether the noun is masculine, feminine, or neuter, rather than what it refers to (e.g., city or river). This guides you to focus on the word’s form, as in haec Roma (this Rome) because of its -a ending.
Hinc Praeneste, Reate petunt hoc, Tibur et Hispal means that cities like Praeneste, Reate, Tibur, and Hispal are neuter due to their endings (often -e or vowel patterns). Use hoc (this) for these city names, as in hoc Praeneste (this Praeneste), regardless of their meaning as cities.
Et Caere; hic Sulmo Narboque; haec Allia flumen means that Caere (a city) is neuter, Sulmo and Narbo (cities) are masculine, and Allia (a river) is feminine, based on their endings. Use hoc for Caere (e.g., hoc Caere), hic (this) for Sulmo (e.g., hic Sulmo), and haec (this) for Allia (e.g., haec Allia), showing how endings like -e, -o, or -a dictate gender.
Mons Oeta haec, haec Ossa volunt, haec Trinacris Aetna means that mountains like Oeta, Ossa, and Aetna are feminine due to their endings (often -a or vowel patterns). Use haec for these mountain names, as in haec Aetna (this Aetna), highlighting that their feminine gender comes from their form, not the concept of a mountain.
Praeceptum XII. De Nominum in Generibus Immutatione
Rule XII. Of Nouns in Genders Variation
98. Respicit interdum nomen generale poeta
Considers sometimes noun general poet
Sometimes a poet considers a general noun, such as volucris (bird), to determine a specific noun’s gender.
99. Unde sibi merito genus inferiora capessunt
Whence to itself rightly gender lower (nouns) they take
As a result, specific nouns adopt the gender of the general noun, such as bubo (owl) taking the gender of volucris (bird).
100. Sic volucrem sequitur bubo: sic flumen Iader
Thus volucris (bird) follows bubo (owl): thus flumen (river) Iader (Iader)
Thus, bubo (owl) takes the feminine gender of volucris (bird), and Iader (Iader) takes the neuter gender of flumen (river).
Praeceptum XII explains how poets in Latin sometimes change a noun’s gender by associating it with a general noun, a practice called gender variation. This rule helps students understand why certain nouns may appear with unexpected genders in poetic texts, depending on the broader term a poet uses to describe them.
Respicit interdum nomen generale poeta means that a poet sometimes considers a general noun to set the gender of a specific noun. For example, a poet might use a broad term like volucris (bird) to describe a specific noun, influencing its gender in the context of the poem.
Unde sibi merito genus inferiora capessunt means that the specific noun takes the gender of the general noun used by the poet. The “lower” (specific) noun adopts the gender of the broader term, so if the general noun is feminine, the specific noun is treated as feminine in that context, even if it’s usually another gender.
Sic volucrem sequitur bubo: sic flumen Iader means that, for example, bubo (owl) follows the feminine gender of volucris (bird, feminine), so a poet might say haec bubo (this owl, feminine). Similarly, Iader (a river) follows the neuter gender of flumen (river, neuter), using hoc as in hoc Iader (this Iader). This shows how poets can assign genders based on general terms in poetic writing.
Praeceptum XIII. Nomina Variorum Generum
Rule XIII. Nouns of Various of Genders
101. Haec modo foemineis, maribus modo juncta videbis
These sometimes to feminines, to masculines sometimes joined you will see
Some nouns can be feminine or masculine depending on context, such as silex (flint).
102. Cum silice et limax necnon cum torque phaselus
With silex (flint) and limax (slug), and also with torquis (collar), phaselus (bean)
Nouns that vary between feminine and masculine include silex (flint), limax (slug), torquis (collar), and phaselus (bean).
103. Scrobs, serpens, anguis cum corbe diesque rubusque
Scrobs (ditch), serpens (serpent), anguis (snake), with corbis (basket), dies (day), and rubus (bramble)
Additional nouns that vary between feminine and masculine include scrobs (ditch), serpens (serpent), anguis (snake), corbis (basket), dies (day), and rubus (bramble).
104. Grossus, adeps, atomus, poteris queis addere finis
Grossus (fig), adeps (fat), atomus (atom), you will be able to which to add finis (end)
Further nouns that vary between feminine and masculine include grossus (fig), adeps (fat), atomus (atom), and finis (end).
105. Da modo masculeis, neutris modo vulgus et Anxur
Assign sometimes to masculines, to neuters sometimes vulgus (crowd) and Anxur (Anxur)
Nouns that vary between masculine and neuter include vulgus (crowd) and Anxur (Anxur).
Praeceptum XIII explains that certain Latin nouns can have variable genders, meaning they can be masculine, feminine, or neuter depending on context or usage. This rule helps students recognize nouns that don’t have a fixed gender and understand how to assign the correct gender based on how the noun is used in a sentence or text.
Haec modo foemineis, maribus modo juncta videbis means that some nouns can be feminine or masculine depending on the situation. You might see a noun like silex (flint) used with haec (this, feminine) in one text, as in haec silex, or with hic (this, masculine) in another, as in hic silex, based on context or author’s choice.
Cum silice et limax necnon cum torque phaselus means that nouns like silex (flint), limax (slug), torquis (collar), and phaselus (bean or yacht) can be either masculine or feminine. Use hic or haec depending on the context, such as hic phaselus (this bean, masculine) or haec phaselus (this bean, feminine).
Scrobs, serpens, anguis cum corbe diesque rubusque means that nouns like scrobs (ditch), serpens (serpent), anguis (snake), corbis (basket), dies (day), and rubus (bramble) also vary between masculine and feminine. For example, use hic dies (this day, masculine) or haec dies (this day, feminine) based on the text’s context.
Grossus, adeps, atomus, poteris queis addere finis means that nouns like grossus (fig), adeps (fat), atomus (atom), and finis (end) can be masculine or feminine. You can assign hic (e.g., hic adeps = this fat, masculine) or haec (e.g., haec adeps = this fat, feminine) depending on usage.
Da modo masculeis, neutris modo vulgus et Anxur means that vulgus (crowd) and Anxur (a city) can be masculine or neuter. Use hic for masculine (e.g., hic vulgus = this crowd, masculine) or hoc for neuter (e.g., hoc vulgus = this crowd, neuter) based on the context or author’s preference.
Praeceptum XIV. Nomina Fere Masculine, Raro Foeminina
Rule Fourth. Nouns Sometimes Masculine, Rarely Feminine
106. Mascula bubo, silex, funis cumque obice, varix
Masculine bubo (owl), silex (flint), funis (rope), and with obex (barrier), varix (varicose vein)
Nouns that are usually masculine include bubo (owl), silex (flint), funis (rope), obex (barrier), and varix (varicose vein).
107: Calx, specus et cortex, imbrex, margo atque palumbes
Calx (heel), specus (cave), and cortex (bark), imbrex (tile), margo (margin), and palumbes (wood-pigeon)
Additional nouns that are usually masculine include calx (heel), specus (cave), cortex (bark), imbrex (tile), margo (margin), and palumbes (wood-pigeon).
108. Et pumex, pulvis sunt et muliebria vati
And pumex (pumice), pulvis (dust) are and feminine to poet
The nouns pumex (pumice) and pulvis (dust) are usually masculine but can be feminine in poetic contexts.
Praeceptum XIV explains that certain Latin nouns are usually masculine but can occasionally be feminine, particularly in poetic contexts. This rule helps students recognize nouns that typically follow a masculine gender pattern but may appear with feminine gender in specific situations, such as in poetry. Note that the rule is labeled as “Fourth” in the provided text, which may be a numbering error or intentional in Alvarez’s grammar, given the sequence.
Mascula bubo, silex, funis cumque obice, varix means that nouns like bubo (owl), silex (flint), funis (rope), obex (barrier), and varix (varicose vein) are almost always masculine. You should typically use hic (this) with these nouns, as in hic bubo (this owl) or hic funis (this rope), but they can rarely be feminine in certain contexts.
Calx, specus et cortex, imbrex, margo atque palumbes means that nouns like calx (heel or lime), specus (cave), cortex (bark), imbrex (tile), margo (margin), and palumbes (wood-pigeon) are also usually masculine. Use hic for these, as in hic cortex (this bark) or hic margo (this margin), though they may occasionally be feminine in specific uses.
Et pumex, pulvis sunt et muliebria vati means that pumex (pumice) and pulvis (dust) are normally masculine, using hic (e.g., hic pumex = this pumice), but poets sometimes treat them as feminine, using haec (e.g., haec pulvis = this dust). The term “vati” (to the poet) indicates this feminine usage is common in poetry.
Praeceptum XV. Nomina Fere Foeminina, Raro Masculina:
Rule XV. Nouns Almost Feminine, Rarely Masculine:
109. Est muliebris onyx, volucris, stirps, talpa, cupido
Is feminine onyx (onyx), volucris (bird), stirps (root), talpa (mole), cupido (desire)
Nouns that are usually feminine include onyx (onyx), volucris (bird), stirps (root), talpa (mole), and cupido (desire).
110. Dama, penus, linter, grus, lynx et clunis et ales
Dama (deer), penus (store), linter (boat), grus (crane), lynx (lynx), and clunis (buttock), and ales (bird)
Additional nouns that are usually feminine include dama (deer), penus (store), linter (boat), grus (crane), lynx (lynx), clunis (buttock), and ales (bird).
111. Interdum haec generi vates junxere virili
Sometimes these to gender masculine poets they have joined
Sometimes poets assign these nouns, such as volucris (bird) and grus (crane), a masculine gender.
Praeceptum XV explains that certain Latin nouns are typically feminine but can occasionally be masculine, especially in poetic contexts. This rule helps students recognize nouns that usually follow a feminine gender pattern but may appear with masculine gender in specific situations, such as in poetry.
Est muliebris onyx, volucris, stirps, talpa, cupido means that nouns like onyx (onyx), volucris (bird), stirps (root or stock), talpa (mole), and cupido (desire) are almost always feminine. You should typically use haec (this) with these nouns, as in haec onyx (this onyx) or haec stirps (this root), though they can rarely be masculine in certain contexts.
Dama, penus, linter, grus, lynx et clunis et ales means that nouns like dama (deer), penus (store or pantry), linter (boat), grus (crane), lynx (lynx), clunis (buttock), and ales (bird or winged creature) are also usually feminine. Use haec for these, as in haec grus (this crane) or haec lynx (this lynx), though they may occasionally be masculine in specific uses.
Interdum haec generi vates junxere virili means that poets sometimes assign these nouns a masculine gender. In poetic texts, you might see hic (this) used with these nouns, such as hic volucris (this bird, masculine), instead of the usual haec. This highlights the flexibility of gender in poetry, where the masculine form is used for stylistic reasons.
Praeceptum XVI. De Genere Epicoeno
Rule XVI. Concerning gender epicene
112. Articulo sexum quae complectuntur utrumque
With article gender which include both
Nouns that use a single article to refer to both male and female individuals, such as vulpes (fox), are of epicene gender.
113. Uno, epicoena vocant Graii, promiscua Nostri
One (article), epicoena (epicene) they call Greeks, promiscua (common) our (people)
The Greeks call these nouns epicoena (epicene), while our people call them promiscua (common), such as lepus (hare) and vulpes (fox).
114. Hic lepus, haec vulpes seu mas seu foemina poscunt
Hic (this) lepus (hare), haec (this) vulpes (fox), whether male or female they require
The noun lepus (hare) is masculine, and vulpes (fox) is feminine, regardless of whether they refer to a male or female, using hic (this) or haec (this) respectively.
Commentary for Praeceptum XVI. De genere epicoeno
Praeceptum XVI explains the concept of epicene nouns in Latin, which are nouns that use a single grammatical ge
nder to refer to both male and female individuals of the same species. This rule helps students understand how these nouns, despite having one fixed gender, can describe either sex, and it clarifies the terminology used for them.
Articulo sexum quae complectuntur utrumque means that epicene nouns take one adjective or article (e.g., hic or haec) but can refer to both male and female beings. For example, vulpes (fox) is always feminine, using haec (this), as in haec vulpes, whether the fox is male or female.
Uno, epicoena vocant Graii, promiscua Nostri means that the Greeks call these nouns “epicene” (epicoena), while Latin speakers call them “common” (promiscua). This clarifies that these nouns have one gender form (e.g., feminine for vulpes) but apply to both sexes, as in haec vulpes for a male or female fox.
Hic lepus, haec vulpes seu mas seu foemina poscunt means that lepus (hare) is always masculine, using hic (this), as in hic lepus (this hare), and vulpes (fox) is always feminine, using haec, as in haec vulpes (this fox), regardless of whether the animal is male or female. The gender is fixed, but the noun can describe either sex.
