scientia
[skiˈɛn.ti.a]feminine
The English word 'knowledge' is translated into Latin as scientia.
scientia refers to the total of what is known or the product of learning. It is a formal term that emphasizes a more scientific or practical type of knowledge. Depending on the context, other Latin terms may be more appropriate: perceptio captures knowledge gained through perception, observation or awareness, while sapientia is often translated as wisdom but also encompasses the idea of knowledge.
Meaning: total of what is known, product of learning (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
scientia is a feminine noun. Its forms change depending on how it is used in a sentence: scientiae is the genitive singular (of knowledge) and the dative singular (to/for knowledge). scientiam is the accusative singular, used when knowledge is the direct object of a verb. scientias is the accusative plural, used when knowledge is the direct object of a verb in a plural context. And scientiis is the dative or ablative plural of scientia.
Did you know?
- The root of scientia is linked to the idea of 'separating' or 'distinguishing', implying that to know something is to be able to tell it apart from other things.
- The term scientia was often used in legal contexts to describe the 'knowledge' of a crime, similar to how we use 'scienter' in English law to imply intent.
- Unlike English, where 'knowledge' is an uncountable noun, Latin can use the plural scientias to refer to different branches or specific fields of study.
Examples in context
- Imaginatio maior est scientia.Imagination is more important than knowledge.This sentence is useful for comparing imagination and scientia.Tatoeba #6318075 by RudeGuyGames, translation #6317365 by Adelpa
- Eva Adamo scientiae malum dedit.Eve gave Adam the apple of knowledge.This sentence uses scientia to describe the apple of knowledge.Tatoeba #5029968 by alexmarcelo, translation #5152821 by CarpeLanam
- Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est.Knowledge is power.This sentence illustrates the phrase 'knowledge is power' using scientia.Tatoeba #892754 by Scott, translation #277046 by LowMemory
- Scientiam bonam magna aestimō.I highly value good knowledge.
- Amicum meum bene novī, de eius cognitione confido.I know my friend well, and I trust his knowledge.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are discussing their studies at the library.
- ClaudiaScientia est optima lux vitae.Knowledge is the best light of life.
- GaiusIta, sed scientia laboris eget.Yes, but knowledge requires hard work.
- ClaudiaQuid vis discere, Gai?What do you want to learn, Gaius?
- GaiusOmnis scientia me delectat.All knowledge delights me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knowledge” translations and entries scientia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries scientia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
