aut vincere aut mori
The English phrase "conquer or die" is expressed in Latin as aut vincere aut mori.
This phrase expresses a determination to either achieve victory or perish in the attempt. It is often used as a pithy, elliptical motto.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts joined by the correlative conjunction aut (either… or), each followed by an infinitive verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the infinitive form of the verbs, which functions as a pithy, elliptical motto. vincere is the present active infinitive of the verb vincere, while mori is the present passive infinitive of the deponent verb morior.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'convince' for changing someone's mind, the Latin root vincere originally meant to physically conquer or prove an opponent wrong in a total defeat.
- In Latin, the verb mori is a deponent verb, which means it uses a passive form to describe an active event. This implies that dying is something that happens to a person rather than an action they perform.
- The Latin aut is a cognate of the Ancient Greek word autós, which means 'self'. Both derive from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'away'.
Examples in context
- Nunc est tempus: aut vincere aut mori.Now is the time: conquer or die.
- Militis est consilium: aut vincere aut mori.A soldier's plan is: conquer or die.
- In hoc certamine, aut vincere aut mori debemus.In this struggle, we must conquer or die.
Example conversation
Two Roman soldiers prepare for a final battle.
- AureliaParatus esne, Luci?Are you ready, Lucius?
- LuciusIta, Aurelia. Aut vincere aut mori.Yes, Aurelia. Conquer or die.
- AureliaFortuna nobiscum sit.May fortune be with us.
- LuciusAd victoriam!To victory!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
