sinister
[sɪˈnɪs.tɛr]
The English word 'left' (referring to the west side of the body when facing north) is expressed in Latin using several forms. If unsure, use sinister. Wiktionary also lists laevus and scaevus.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| sinister | [sɪˈnɪs.tɛr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [siˈnis.ter] (narrow) |
| laevus | [ˈɫae̯.wʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈlɛː.vus] (narrow) |
| scaevus | [ˈskae̯.wʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈʃɛː.vus] (narrow) |
While they all share a basic meaning of 'left', they vary significantly in their emotional connotations, ranging from neutral physical descriptions to words implying bad luck or lack of skill.
Which one should you use?
sinister is the everyday word for the left side in Roman prose. laevus is more frequent in poetry. scaevus is rare and can also imply clumsiness. Because omens seen on the left could be read as unfavorable, sinister later took on the dark sense that English 'sinister' keeps.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, taking the forms laevus (masculine), laeva (feminine) or laevum (neuter).
Did you know?
- The Latin word sinister might have originated as a euphemism. It is possible the word was used to mean 'more advantageous' to avoid the negative superstitions often attached to the left side.
- In Ancient Rome, the sinister side was often viewed as ominous, but in early divination, certain movements to the left were actually considered lucky.
Examples in context
- Marcus ad sinistram conversus est.Marcus turned to the left.
- Matilda dextram tendit, sed ego lēvam tendo.Matilda reaches out her right hand, but I reach out my left.
Example conversation
Marcus and Lucia are discussing a medical examination.
- MarcusUbi dolor est, Lucia?Where is the pain, Lucia?
- LuciaIn sinistra parte corporis.On the left side of my body.
- MarcusTange crus sinistrum.Touch your left leg.
- LuciaHic est dolor.The pain is here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “left” translations and entries sinister, laevus, scaevus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries laevus, scaevus, sinister, CC BY-SA 4.0.
