discō
To learn in Latin can be expressed in several ways depending on how the knowledge is acquired. The default form is discō. Wiktionary also lists sciscō and resciscō.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge or ability (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| discō |
| sciscō |
| resciscō |
| reperiō |
| inaudiō |
Latin uses different verbs to specify whether you are learning through study, through inquiry, through discovery or through hearing news.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on the method of learning: discō is used for the process of learning a skill or subject through study or practice. sciscō is used specifically for learning information by asking questions or inquiring. reperiō is used for learning something by chance or through discovery. And inaudiō is used for learning news or information by hearing it from others.
Did you know?
- The English word 'disciple' comes from Latin discipulus, 'learner', a noun built on discō.
- While discō means to learn, its opposite in a classroom context is often docēre, meaning 'to teach', which gave English the word 'doctor'.
Examples in context
- Magister me discere docet.My teacher teaches me to learn.
- Discipulus discit.The student is learning.
- Linguas novas discō.I learn new languages.
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are talking about their school studies.
- MarcusQuid hodie discō?What am I learning today?
- AureliaHistoriam et artem discis.You are learning history and art.
- MarcusBene, discō cum gaudio.Good, I learn with joy.
- AureliaIta, Marce, stude bene.Yes, Marcus, study well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learn” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
