caecus
[ˈkae̯.kʊs]
The English word 'blind' is translated into Latin as caecus.
The word caecus is an adjective meaning unable to see. Like in English, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a lack of judgment or insight, such as in the phrase amor caecus (blind love).
Meaning: unable to see (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine singular form is caeca and the masculine plural form is caecī. Related verbs like caecō (to blind) are conjugated in the first-person singular as caecō (I blind).
Did you know?
- The Latin term caecum is used in anatomy to describe the 'blind gut' or the pouch of the large intestine because it is a tube that ends blindly.
- The ancestor of caecus originally referred specifically to a person who was 'one-eyed' rather than completely sightless. This evolution from 'one-eyed' to 'blind' reflects how ancient languages often described partial loss of function before total loss.
- While caecus describes a lack of sight, Latin uses the phrase caecum to describe a 'blind' alley or a dead-end street where one cannot see a way out.
Examples in context
- Thomas natus est caecus.Tom was born blind.This sentence uses caecus to describe a person born with a lack of sight.Tatoeba #5034208 by alexmarcelo, translation #3419962 by CK
- Amor caecus esse dicitur.They say love is blind.This sentence uses caecus in a metaphorical sense regarding love.Tatoeba #5034209 by alexmarcelo, translation #1578 by CK
- Quomodo caecus factus es?How did you become blind?This sentence uses caecus to ask how someone became unable to see.Tatoeba #8890088 by alexmarcelo, translation #6439957 by CK
- Marcus est caecus.Marcus is blind.
- Hic liber est caeci auctoris.This book is by a blind author.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are discussing a man in the village.
- QuintusVidistine illum virum caecum?Have you seen that blind man?
- ClaudiaIta, sed non scio unde venit.Yes, but I do not know where he came from.
- QuintusPauper est et caecus.He is poor and blind.
- ClaudiaEi auxilium dare debemus.We ought to give him help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blind” translations and entries caecus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caecus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
