amicus
[aˈmiː.kʊs]
amicus is Latin for 'friend'.
Did you know?
- In ancient Roman social structures, an amicus was often part of a complex system of 'clientela', where friendship involved specific social obligations.
- Because it is derived from amō, the word shares a common root with the English word 'amorous'.
- The concept of an amicus extends into modern legal language through the term 'amicus curiae', or 'friend of the court'.
Examples in context
- Salve, amice!Hello, my friend!
- Marcus est amicus meus.Marcus is my friend.
- Amicus meus adest.My friend is here.
Example conversation
Aurelia introduces her friend to Lucius.
- AureliaLuci, ecce amicus meus.Lucius, look, here is my friend.
- LuciusSalve! Quod nomen habes?Hello! What is your name?
- AureliaHic amicus meus est Gaius.This friend of mine is Gaius.
- LuciusGaius est vir bonus.Gaius is a good man.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amicus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amicus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
