novus
[ˈnɔ.wʊs]
The English word "new" is translated into Latin as novus. Wiktionary also lists novellus.
Meaning: recently made or created (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| novus | [ˈnɔ.wʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈnɔː.vus] (narrow) |
| novellus | [nɔˈwɛl.lʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [noˈvɛl.lus] (narrow) |
The term is used to describe something that has been recently made or created.
Which one should you use?
While novus is the standard term for new, the form novellus is a diminutive. It implies that something is not only new, but also small, young or recently formed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use nova when modifying a feminine singular noun and novum when modifying a neuter singular noun, such as donum (gift). The form novi is the genitive singular, which is used to express "of a new [thing]".
Did you know?
- In Roman political history, the term homo novus described a 'new man' who was the first in his family to enter the Senate.
- The suffix -ellus in novellus can add a layer of affection or irony to the word 'new' depending on the speaker's tone.
- The Sanskrit word náva is a distant relative of both the Latin novus and the English 'new'.
Examples in context
- Hic liber novus est.This book is new.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of novus with a singular subject.Tatoeba #1189952 by alexmarcelo, translation #56910 by CK
- Ille liber novus est.That book is a new book.This sentence shows how to use novus to describe a specific book.Tatoeba #1368304 by alexmarcelo, translation #67821 by CK
- Comes novus tibi sum.I'm your new partner.This sentence demonstrates how to use novus to describe a new partner.Tatoeba #6539025 by CarpeLanam, translation #2547657 by CK
- Novus et elegansNew and elegant
- Librum novumA new book
- Tabula novaA new table
- Recens institutumA recent institution
- Recens scriptusNewly written
- Amici nuper factiNewly made friends
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Quintus shows Julia a recently bought garment.
- QuintusEcce, tunica mea nova est.Look, my tunic is new.
- JuliaPulchra est, Quinte!It is beautiful, Quintus!
- QuintusIta, novus vestitus est.Yes, it is a new garment.
- JuliaValde laetus es.You are very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “new” translations and entries novus, novellus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries novellus, novus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
