amicus optimus
[aˈmiː.kʊs ˈɔp.tɪ.mʊs]word by word
The English phrase "best friend" is translated into Latin as amicus optimus.
Amicus optimus refers to an especially close and trusted friend.
Meaning: an especially close and trusted friend (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun amicus (friend) and the superlative adjective optimus (best/very good).
Which one should you use?
While amicus optimus refers to a "best friend" using the superlative degree, amicus bonus refers to "a good friend" using the positive degree.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female best friend, use the feminine forms amica optima. If you need to say "of the best friends" (the genitive plural), use amicorum optimorum.
Did you know?
- In Ancient Rome, a 'best friend' was often an amicus, but the term could also describe a political ally or a client in a formal patronage relationship.
- The word amicus is etymologically rooted in the verb amō, which means 'to love'.
- Romans distinguished between an amicus, who was a chosen friend, and a comes, who was simply a companion or someone they traveled with.
Examples in context
- Canis amicus optimus hominis est.A dog is a man's best friend.This sentence is useful for showing how to use amicus optimus to describe a dog.Tatoeba #1920126 by Balamax, translation #239212 by CK
- Thomas est amicus optimus mariti mei.Tom is my husband's best friend.This sentence demonstrates using amicus optimus to describe a husband's friend.Tatoeba #6885861 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #6881646 by CK
- Amicus optimus meus e planeta alia oriundus est.My best friend is an alien.This sentence illustrates using amicus optimus in a sentence about an alien.Tatoeba #12900174 by rul, translation #12894707 by rul
- Non possum immensitatem gratiae tibi reddere, amice intimus. Tu es socius optimus quem numquam deseram.I cannot express the magnitude of my gratitude to you, my closest friend. You are the best companion I will never abandon.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Marcus are talking about their social circles.
- ClaudiaQuis est amicus optimus tuus, Marce?Who is your best friend, Marcus?
- MarcusLucius est amicus optimus meus.Lucius is my best friend.
- ClaudiaEstne Lucius etiam amicus optimus meus?Is Lucius my best friend too?
- MarcusNon, tu habes amicum optimum alium.No, you have another best friend.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (amicus, optimus) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amicus, optimus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
