legere
The English verb "read" is translated into Latin as legere.
legere is used to mean looking at and interpreting letters or other information. This verb also carries the meaning of gathering or collecting, such as gathering fruit or wood.
Meaning: to look at and interpret letters or other information (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form legere is the present active infinitive.
Did you know?
- In ancient Rome, reading was primarily a loud activity. Even when reading alone, Romans typically spoke the words aloud, as silent reading was rare and considered an unusual skill.
- The Latin root leg- in legere is the ancestor of the English word 'legend'. Originally a 'legend' was simply something that was read aloud to an audience.
- The word 'eligible' comes from legere. In its oldest sense, it refers to someone who is 'readable' or 'selectable' from a group, linking the act of reading to the act of choosing.
Examples in context
- Id legere non potest.He can't read it.This sentence demonstrates the use of legere to express an inability to read something.Tatoeba #1345179 by alexmarcelo, translation #302101 by CK
- In ludo legere didici.I learned to read in school.This sentence shows how to use legere when talking about learning to read in a school setting.Tatoeba #5135642 by alexmarcelo, translation #5147241 by CarpeLanam
- Nolo legere hunc librum.I don't want to read this book.This sentence illustrates the use of legere to express a lack of desire to read a specific book.Tatoeba #2277886 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #627286 by CK
- Librum legoI am reading a book
- Semper libros legoI always read books
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lucius are in a library.
- JuliaVisne hanc epistulam legere?Do you want to read this letter?
- LuciusIta, epistulam legere volo.Yes, I want to read the letter.
- JuliaTunc hanc chartam lege.Then read this paper.
- LuciusGratias, Julia, quod me doces legere.Thank you, Julia, for teaching me to read.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
