nunquam cede
The English phrase 'never give up' is translated into Latin as nunquam cede.
This is an encouraging phrase used to tell someone to keep trying and not to stop until they succeed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nunquam, meaning 'never' and cede, which is the singular imperative form of cedere, meaning 'to yield' or 'to give way'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on how many people you are addressing. If you are addressing more than one person, use the plural imperative cedite instead of cede.
Did you know?
- In many classical contexts, 'yielding' (cedere) was seen as a loss of 'virtus', or moral courage, rather than just a loss of energy.
- The word cede is the root of many English words about moving or giving way, such as 'concede' and 'precede'.
- Roman stoics often discussed the idea of not yielding to emotion, using similar language to cedere to describe mental fortitude.
Examples in context
- Nunquam cede, amice.Never give up, friend.
- In pugna nunquam cede.Never give up in the fight.
- Si vis vincere, nunquam cede.If you want to conquer, never give up.
Example conversation
A student is feeling discouraged by a difficult task.
- QuintusLabor est difficilis.The work is difficult.
- AureliaNunquam cede, Quinte.Never give up, Quintus.
- QuintusGratias tibi ago.Thank you.
- AureliaFortis esto.Be strong.
