Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| potior | [ˈpɔ.ti.ɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpɔt.t͡si.or] (narrow) |
| nanciscor | [naŋˈkiːs.kɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [nan̠ʲˈt͡ʃis.kor] (narrow) |
| assequor | [ˈas.sɛ.kʷɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈas.se.kʷor] (narrow) |
| consequor | [ˈkõː.sɛ.kʷɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈkɔn.se.kʷor] (narrow) |
| impetro | [ˈɪm.pɛ.troː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈim.pe.tro] (narrow) |
| obtineo | [ɔpˈtɪ.ne.oː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [obˈtiː.ne.o] (narrow) |
The Latin language uses different verbs to express obtaining something depending on how it is acquired. Use nanciscor for finding or obtaining something, assequor for obtaining something through pursuit or endeavor and consequor for obtaining or accomplishing something by following a course or method. Use impetro if the emphasis is on obtaining something through prayer, entreaty or hard-won negotiation.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb obtineo is composed of the prefix ob- (towards/against) and tenere (to hold).
Which one should you use?
While obtineo often implies holding or maintaining a position, consequor emphasizes the act of reaching or attaining a goal or result. Additionally, use impetro when the focus is specifically on obtaining something through effort such as negotiation or prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms potior and nanciscor are deponent verbs, which means they use passive forms to express active meanings.
Did you know?
- The verb nanciscor shares a prehistoric root with the Old English word 'enough'. Both words evolved from an ancient Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to reach'.
- The verb consequor is the direct ancestor of the English word 'consequence'. Both stem from the idea of 'following' a course to reach a result.
- While obtineo means to obtain, its core is the verb tenere, which means 'to hold'. This is the same root found in the English word 'tenant'.
Examples in context
- Magister diligenter studet ut discipuli scientiam assequantur.The teacher diligently strives for the students to obtain knowledge.
- Sapientiam per diligentiam consequimur.We obtain wisdom through diligence.
- Imperator regulam justitiae adipiscitur.The emperor obtains the rule of justice.
- Agricola laborando pecuniam assequitur.The farmer obtains money by working.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Lucius are discussing a lost treasure.
- AureliaPotiorne thesauro?Am I obtaining the treasure?
- LuciusNon, sed mox potieris.No, but you will obtain it soon.
- AureliaCur nondum potior?Why do I not obtain it yet?
- LuciusNon potieris nisi mecum.You will not obtain it unless you are with me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obtain” translations and entries potior, nanciscor, assequor, consequor, impetro, obtineo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assequor, consequor, nanciscor, potior, CC BY-SA 4.0.
