electus
The English phrase "chosen" is translated into Latin as electus.
electus is used to describe someone or something that has been picked out or selected as the best or most appropriate for a particular purpose.
Which one should you use?
While electus means 'chosen' (selected for a purpose), dilectus means 'beloved' (selected through affection or love).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form electus must agree in gender with the person or thing being chosen. Electa is the feminine form. The form electi is the masculine plural form used when referring to a group of men or a mixed-gender group. The form electae is the feminine plural form used when referring to a group of women.
Did you know?
- The word electus is the root of the English word 'elite'. This shifted the meaning from simply being 'chosen' to being part of a superior or privileged group.
- In early Christian Latin, electi was used as a technical term for those who lived a particularly holy life. It described a specific class of people rather than just a random selection.
- Because electus comes from the verb 'ēligō', which means 'to pick out', the root implies a physical action of separating one thing from a group, much like picking fruit from a branch.
Examples in context
- membrum gregis esse electus est.He was chosen to be a member of the team.This sentence shows how to use electus to describe someone chosen for a role.Tatoeba #4524109 by caiusmaximus, translation #291709 by CK
- Dilectus meus candidus et rubicundus, electus ex millibus.My beloved is white and ruddy, chosen out of thousands.This sentence uses electus to describe someone chosen from a large crowd.Tatoeba #2843217 by carlosalberto, translation #2843262 by carlosalberto
- Electus est.He was chosen.This sentence demonstrates the simple use of electus to state that someone was chosen.Tatoeba #13105674 by rul, translation #11418078 by Agestur
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus are discussing a new leader for their club.
- JuliaQuis est dux novus?Who is the new leader?
- QuintusQuintus electus est.Quintus was chosen.
- JuliaCur is electus est?Why was he chosen?
- QuintusQuia sapiens et iustus est.Because he is wise and just.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
