insanus
The Latin word for mad is insanus.
Meaning: angry (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word insanus literally means unhealthy or not sane, where the prefix in- means not. This is the root of the English word 'insane'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes to match the gender of the noun it describes: use insana for feminine subjects and insanum for neuter subjects. For a masculine subject in the genitive singular case, use insani to mean 'of a mad person'.
Did you know?
- Roman law called a person judged insane furiosus, and such a person was placed under a guardian.
- While insanus describes a lack of health or reason, Romans often used the word furiosus to describe the 'madness' of rage, linking it to the 'Furies' of mythology.
Examples in context
- Didymus insanus est.Tom's mad.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say 'Tom's mad' using insanus.Tatoeba #2109550 by alexmarcelo, translation #2107565 by CK
- Vir rabiosus furiose maledicebat.The mad man was cursing furiously.
Example conversation
Lucius and Julia are arguing about a broken vase.
- LuciusCur tam insana es, Julia?Why are you so mad, Julia?
- JuliaTu vas meum fregisti!You broke my vase!
- LuciusNoli nunc insana esse.Don't be mad now.
- JuliaIram meam non cognoscis.You do not know my anger.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries insanus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
