passus
[ˈpas.sʊs]
The English phrase "pace" can be translated into Latin as passus.
The word refers to the concept of speed. While passus is the standard term, gradus is also used to mean pace, particularly within the context of Medieval Latin.
Meaning: speed (noun)
Which one should you use?
The form gradus serves as a more formal way to express "pace" compared to the standard passus. In the Medieval Latin period, gradus was a common choice for this meaning.
Did you know?
- If you were measuring a distance in ancient Rome, one passus would be equivalent to two steps, as it measured the distance from the heel of one foot to the heel of the same foot after two strides.
- The word passus can also be understood as a form of the verb 'to suffer' or 'to endure', derived from the verb patior.
- The Latin word passus stems from a verb meaning 'to spread out to dry', which creates a linguistic link between a stride and a step.
Examples in context
- Meus passus est celerior quam tuus.My pace is faster than yours.
- Gradatim passibus meis ambulo.I walk with measured steps.
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are walking to the forum.
- MarcusAurelia, passus tuus nimis celer est.Aurelia, your pace is too fast.
- AureliaSumus sero, Marce.We are late, Marcus.
- MarcusSed passus meus fessus est.But my pace is tired.
- AureliaBene, ambulemus lente.Fine, let us walk slowly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry passus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries passus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
