What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed with the prefix prae-, meaning "before" or "in front of", suggesting something placed in front of someone as a mark of honor.
Which one should you use?
While praemium focuses on achievement, other terms exist for different types of rewards. Merces is used for rewards that encompass payment, wages or compensation for labor. Pretium is used when the reward is something particularly valuable or sought after. If you are referring specifically to non-material rewards, you might use donum or munus.
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter singular form is praemium. To talk about multiple rewards, use the plural praemia. If you need to indicate possession, such as "of the reward", use the genitive singular form praemii.
Did you know?
- The Latin word praemium is the direct ancestor of the English word 'premium'. In modern English, 'premium' usually refers to a high price, but it originally meant a reward for excellence.
- In Roman law, praemium could refer to a specific legal bounty paid to someone who captured a fugitive or a criminal.
- A Roman might use munus to describe a reward that is actually a duty or a public service performed for the community.
Examples in context
- Praemium Thōmae dēmus.Let's give Tom his reward.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of praemium.Tatoeba #11154969 by alexmarcelo, translation #3722018 by CM
- Vincit praemium magnum.He wins a great prize.
Example conversation
Aurelia and Gaius are discussing a competition at the market.
- AureliaCur curris, Gai?Why are you running, Gaius?
- GaiusPraemium mihi debetur.A prize is owed to me.
- AureliaEstne praemium pretiosum?Is the prize valuable?
- GaiusIta, praemium est aurum.Yes, the prize is gold.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reward” translations and entries praemium, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
