abyssus
[aˈbys.sʊs]Late Latin, feminine
The English phrase abyss can be translated into Latin as abyssus. Wiktionary also lists profundum and vorāgō.
Meaning: bottomless or unfathomed depth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| abyssus | [aˈbys.sʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [aˈbis.sus] (narrow) |
Late Latin, feminine |
| profundum | [prɔˈfʊn.dũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [proˈfun.dum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| vorāgō | feminine |
These words refer to a bottomless or unfathomed depth.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ in their specific nuances and time periods. While abyssus refers to a bottomless depth, vorāgō often carries the connotation of a swirling vortex or a gaping maw/pit. Furthermore, abyssus is specifically a Late-Latin term, whereas profundum and vorāgō are more common in Classical Latin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gender of the noun affects how it is used in a sentence. profundum is a neuter noun, meaning it must agree with neuter adjectives and verbs. Both abyssus and vorāgō are feminine nouns.
Did you know?
- In Latin literature, vorāgō is often used metaphorically to describe an insatiable greed or an all-consuming passion.
- The word abyssus entered the Latin language as a loanword from the Ancient Greek word ábŭssos.
Examples in context
- Quam altum est profundum?How deep is the abyss?This sentence is useful for asking about the depth of the profundum.Tatoeba #7043755 by alexmarcelo, translation #3998640 by popball
- Abyssus abyssum invocat.The abyss calls the abyss.This sentence shows how abyssus can be used in a proverb.
- Cadit taratantara præceps in abyssumTaratantara falls headlong into the abyss
- abysmus horribilisHorrible abyss
- In oceano est abyssus magna.In the ocean, there is a great abyss.
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a deep canyon.
- JuliaVidesne hanc abyssum?Do you see this abyss?
- GaiusIta, Gaia, est valde profunda.Yes, Gaia, it is very deep.
- JuliaNon possum videre fundum.I cannot see the bottom.
- GaiusNemo potest in abyssum descendere.No one can descend into the abyss.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “abyss” translations and entries abyssus, profundum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abyssus, profundum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
