mors ante cladem
The English phrase death before defeat is expressed in Latin as mors ante cladem.
This phrase is a motto used to express the sentiment that it is preferable to die than to suffer a defeat.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun mors (death), the preposition ante (before) and the noun cladem (defeat/disaster).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mors is a third-declension feminine noun in the nominative singular. The word cladem is the accusative singular form of clades, which is required because it is the object of the preposition ante.
Did you know?
- The Latin word mors is a direct ancestor to the English word 'mortician' and the root of the word 'mortal'.
- The preposition ante shares its ancient origins with the Greek word 'anti', which is used in English to mean 'against' or 'opposite'.
- The word clades in mors ante cladem can mean both a military 'defeat' and a natural 'disaster' or 'calamity'.
Example conversation
Two soldiers are preparing for a final stand in a camp.
- LuciaMarce, visne fugere?Marcus, do you want to flee?
- MarcusNon, Lucia. Mors ante cladem!No, Lucia. Death before defeat!
- LuciaVerum dicis, fortis vir.You speak the truth, brave man.
- MarcusIta, nullo modo cedemus.Yes, we will not yield in any way.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ante, mors, CC BY-SA 4.0.
