phantasma
[pʰanˈtas.ma]
The English word phantom is translated into Latin as phantasma.
phantasma refers to something that has no physical reality.
Meaning: something having no physical reality (noun)
Did you know?
- While phantasma describes a phantom, the Latin word for a common ghost is often larva, which literally means 'mask'.
- The Latin word phantasma shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'show', as both stem from the idea of making something visible or appearing.
- In late Latin and early medical texts, phantasmata were used to describe the internal images processed by the 'phantasia' or imagination.
Examples in context
- Umbra est visus sine corpore.The phantom is a sight without a body.
- Phantasma sub umbra circumvolat.The phantom flies around under the shadow.
- Urget me larva nocturna.The nocturnal phantom haunts me.
- Vidi eam larvam in via ambulantem.I saw that phantom walking in the street.
- Omnes effugiunt larvam tenebrarum.Everyone flees from the phantom of darkness.
- In umbra videtur phantasma.A phantom is seen in the shadow.
- Timor eius est tantum phantasma.His fear is only a phantom.
- Nemo phantasma tangere potest.No one can touch the phantom.
Example conversation
Gaius and Aurelia are exploring an old house.
- GaiusAurelia, vide! Phantasma ibi est!Aurelia, look! A phantom is over there!
- AureliaUbi est hoc phantasma, Gai?Where is this phantom, Gaius?
- GaiusPrope fenestram erat.It was near the window.
- AureliaNihil video, modo ventum.I see nothing, only the wind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry phantasma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
