aeger
[ˈae̯.ɡɛr]
The Latin word for sick is aeger.
The word aeger is an adjective meaning ill. It can also be used substantively to refer to sick people collectively.
Meaning: ill, used as a substantive: sick people, collectively (adj)
Which one should you use?
While aeger specifically refers to being ill or sick, the related word infirmus is typically used to describe someone who is physically weak or frail.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes based on gender and number. The feminine singular is aegrae, the neuter singular is aegrum and the plural for masculine or feminine sick people is aegri. Additionally, you can use the noun aegrotus to refer specifically to a sick person.
Did you know?
- The Latin root in aeger survives in the English word 'egregious'. Originally, it meant 'rising above the flock', but it evolved to describe something remarkably bad or 'sickly' in quality.
- In Latin, morbus refers to the disease itself, but it can also be used to describe a 'morbid' obsession or a peculiar habit of the mind.
- The word aeger can describe not just physical illness, but also an emotional state of anxiety or grief in Classical Latin literature.
Examples in context
- Is aeger non est.He's not sick.This sentence demonstrates the use of aeger to state that someone is not sick.Tatoeba #5255357 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #1307446 by CK
- Num Thomas aeger est?Is Tom sick?This sentence uses aeger to ask if a person is sick.Tatoeba #12385402 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #2244639 by CK
- Proavus eius aeger videbatur.His great-grandfather looked sick.This sentence shows how aeger can be used to describe how someone appeared.Tatoeba #8932822 by alexmarcelo, translation #4944019 by Muelisto
- Morbus me tenetA sickness holds me.
- Aegrotus estHe is sick.
- Male habeoI am feeling unwell.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are talking about their friend's health.
- ClaudiaCur Marcus non venit?Why is Marcus not coming?
- GaiusMarcus aeger est et dormit.Marcus is sick and is sleeping.
- ClaudiaUbi est medicus?Where is the doctor?
- GaiusMedicus ad eum venit.The doctor is coming to him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aeger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
