per
[ˈpɛr]
The English word 'by' can be translated into Latin using either per or ab depending on the context.
Meaning: indicates a means (prep)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| per | [ˈpɛr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpɛr] (narrow) |
| ab | [ˈab] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈab] (narrow) |
In Latin, the choice of word for 'by' depends on whether you are describing an agent or a medium. ab is used in passive constructions to introduce the agent, which is the person or thing performing the action. per is used to denote movement through a space or a medium.
Which one should you use?
While both can translate to 'by' in English, per specifically denotes movement through a space or a medium (translating to 'through'), whereas ab denotes the agent or source.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition ab must be followed by the ablative case. In contrast, the preposition per must be followed by the accusative case.
Did you know?
- The Latin word ab shares an ancient ancestor with the English words 'off', 'of' and 'after'.
- In Latin, per often carries the sense of 'by way of', which is why it appears in the English phrase 'per capita', meaning 'by the head'.
- The word ab specifically points to the source or the agent, making it the opposite of ad, which means 'to' or 'toward'.
Examples in context
- Ab ape puncta sum.I was stung by a bee.This sentence shows how to use ab to indicate a bee as the agent of stinging.Tatoeba #7077338 by alexmarcelo, translation #1384365 by CK
- Ab eō ēducāta est.She was brought up by him.This sentence demonstrates using ab to identify a person as the agent of bringing someone up.Tatoeba #11091061 by alexmarcelo, translation #887547 by CK
- Ab ape punctus sum.I got stung by a bee.This sentence provides another example of using ab to indicate an agent in a passive construction.Tatoeba #7077337 by alexmarcelo, translation #2757243 by verdulo
- Per artemBy art
- Per miraculumBy a miracle
- Per viamBy way of
- Per amicitiamBy friendship
- A senatuBy the Senate
- Ab homineBy a person
- Ab exercituBy the army
- Propter amoremBy reason of love
- 160 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are walking through a garden.
- ClaudiaPer silvam ambulamus.We are walking through the woods.
- QuintusPer silvam iter est longum.The journey through the woods is long.
- ClaudiaPer silvam iter facimus.We travel through the woods.
- QuintusPer silvam venimus.We are coming through the woods.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by” translations and entries per, ab, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ab, per, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
