lectio
[ˈɫeːk.ti.oː]
The Latin word for lesson is lectio.
A lectio refers to a learning task assigned to a student. It can also describe the process of reading. Note that while lectio is a lesson, other words are used for different educational contexts: disciplina refers to a subject or a field of study and doctrina refers to instruction or teaching.
Meaning: learning task assigned to a student (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb legere, which means to read or to gather. This implies that a lesson is something that is read or gathered.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. The singular form lectio is used for the subject or other basic cases. The accusative singular form is lectionem. The genitive singular form is lectionis, meaning 'of the lesson'. If you are talking about more than one lesson, use the plural form lectiones.
Did you know?
- In early Christian history, the 'lectio divina' was a practice of slow, prayerful reading of the Bible. Here, lectio shifted from a school lesson to a spiritual exercise.
- The Latin lectio is the direct ancestor of the English word 'lecture'. While a 'lesson' today is often interactive, the root of lectio emphasizes that the teacher reads a text aloud to the students.
- In legal Latin, a lectio could refer to the formal reading of a will or a legal document. In this context, the 'lesson' was a binding public announcement rather than a teaching task.
Examples in context
- Lectio tertia difficilis est.Lesson Three is hard.This sentence uses lectio to identify a specific lesson number.Tatoeba #8491583 by alexmarcelo, translation #6118460 by CK
- De hoc libro proximam lectionem dicemus.We will discuss this book next lesson.This sentence uses the accusative form lectionem.Tatoeba #10797775 by carlosalberto, translation #10797753 by carlosalberto
- Prima lectionis pars facilior est secunda.The first part of the lesson is easier than the second.This sentence uses the genitive form lectionis to show the part belongs to the lesson.Tatoeba #5110545 by alexmarcelo, translation #5111998 by CarpeLanam
- Magister nobis novam lectionem dedicavit.The teacher assigned us a new lesson.
- Magistra sapientem doctrinam nobis praebet.The teacher provides us with wise instruction.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their schoolwork.
- LuciaGai, visne hanc lectionem hodie scribere?Gaius, do you want to write this lesson today?
- GaiusNon possum, quia haec lectio longa nimis est.I cannot, because this lesson is too long.
- LuciaSed magister hanc lectionem cras requirit.But the teacher requires this lesson tomorrow.
- GaiusTunc cras mane eam finiam.Then I will finish it tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lectio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
