ut dicitur
The English word 'allegedly' is translated into Latin as ut dicitur.
To express that something is allegedly true or 'as is said', use ut dicitur. In specific historical contexts, other terms may be more appropriate: medieval Latin often uses ut asseritur to mean 'allegedly', while ecclesiastical Latin uses ut fertur to convey the same idea.
Meaning: according to allegation (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ut dicitur literally means 'as it is said'. It is composed of ut, meaning 'as' or 'so that' and dicitur, meaning 'it is said'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word dicitur in the phrase ut dicitur is the third-person singular, passive indicative form of the verb dicere (to say).
Did you know?
- While ut dicitur is common, ecclesiastical Latin uses ut fertur to mean 'allegedly'. The verb ferre usually means 'to carry', implying the news was 'carried' to the speaker.
- The word ut in this phrase was once a much stronger adverb meaning 'in some way' or 'by some means' before it weakened into a simple conjunction.
- The Latin verb dicere is the ancestor of many English words related to speaking, including 'dictionary' and 'predict'.
Examples in context
- Ut asseritur, ille daemonem vidit.Allegedly, that person saw a demon.
- Ut dicitur, pecunia in horto est.Allegedly, the money is in the garden.
- Ut dicitur, magistrus errat.Allegedly, the teacher is mistaken.
Example conversation
Lucia and Gaius discuss a rumor about a neighbor.
- LuciaMarcus pecuniam perdidit, ut dicitur.Marcus lost his money, allegedly.
- GaiusNum certum est hoc?Is this certain?
- LuciaNescio, sed omnes id dicunt.I don't know, but everyone says it.
- GaiusTunc non credimus.Then we do not believe it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
