ad
[ˈad]
The English word 'at' can be translated into Latin using several forms, most commonly ad. Wiktionary also lists locative case and apud.
Meaning: in or very near a particular place (prep)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| ad | [ˈad] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈad] (narrow) |
| locative case | |
| apud | [ˈa.pʊd] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈaː.pud] (narrow) |
The preposition ad is used to indicate being at or very near a particular place, but it can also express direction, meaning 'to' or 'toward'.
Which one should you use?
While ad indicates being near or at a physical location, apud is used to indicate being at a person's place or among a group of people. While ad expresses being at a location, apud carries the sense of being 'among', 'in the presence of' or 'at the house of'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Latin, the concept of 'at' can also be expressed using the locative case.
Did you know?
- The Latin ad is used in the phrase ad hoc, which literally means 'at this' or 'for this purpose'.
- The Latin word apud might originally have meant being 'at the foot of' something, derived from the combination of ad and the word for 'foot'.
- When ad is used as a prefix in words like 'adapt', it carries the original sense of 'at' or 'to' a specific standard.
Examples in context
- Tom est ad podium.Tom is at the podium.This sentence shows the use of ad to indicate a location at a podium.Tatoeba #9982184 by Jondel, translation #3725393 by CM
- Aliquis ad ianuam stat.Someone is at the door.This sentence shows how ad is used to indicate someone is at a door.Tatoeba #8886073 by alexmarcelo, translation #40433 by CK
- Aliquis ad ianuam adest.Someone's at the door.This sentence demonstrates the use of ad to say someone is at the door.Tatoeba #2836561 by alexmarcelo, translation #2547070 by CK
- apud templumAt the temple
- in bibliothecaAt the library
- Apud amicum sumI am at my friend's place.
- Coram magistro stoI stand before the teacher.
- In foro ambulatHe walks around/at the forum.
- Apud me cenabisYou will dine at my place.
- Apud senatumAt the Senate.
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are meeting outside a small house.
- MarcusAurelia, esne tu ad ianuam?Aurelia, are you at the door?
- AureliaIta, sum ad ianuam.Yes, I am at the door.
- MarcusVeni ad me.Come to me.
- AureliaStatim venio.I am coming immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at” translations and entries ad, apud, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ad, apud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
