ultiō
feminine
The English word 'revenge' is translated into Latin as ultiō.
ultiō refers to the act of retaliation.
Meaning: retaliatory action (noun)
Which one should you use?
vindicta conveys the concept of revenge in a legalistic sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
ultiō is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- While ultiō is general, the word vindicta originally referred to the physical staff or wand used in Roman law to symbolize a slave's liberation.
- In Roman culture, ultiō was not always seen as a crime. It was often viewed as a sacred duty to restore the 'honor' of a family or a deity.
- The word ultiō shares a root with the Latin word ultimus, meaning 'last'. This suggests a conceptual link between revenge and the 'final' or 'ultimate' settlement of a score.
Examples in context
- Ultionem extremam in hostes meos requiro.I seek ultimate revenge on my enemies.
- Exspectat punitionem et ultionem eorum.She anticipates their punishment and revenge.
- Ultiō est difficilis.Revenge is difficult.
- Nōn quaerere ultiōnem est virtus.Not seeking revenge is a virtue.
- Ira eius ad ultiōnem duxit.His anger led to revenge.
Example conversation
Two people discuss a betrayal.
- GaiusQuid vīs, Aurelia?What do you want, Aurelia?
- AureliaUltiōnem volō.I want revenge.
- GaiusEstne hoc sapientia?Is this wisdom?
- AureliaHoc est iūstitia.This is justice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “revenge” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
