argentum
[arˈɡɛn.tũː]neuter
The English word silver is translated into Latin as argentum. Wiktionary also lists pustulatum.
Meaning: metal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| argentum | [arˈɡɛn.tũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [arˈd͡ʒɛn.tum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| pustulatum | [pʊs.tʊˈɫaː.tũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [pus.tuˈlaː.tum] (narrow) |
The term refers to the metal itself.
Which one should you use?
argentum is the noun used to name the metal, whereas argenteus is the adjective used to describe something that is made of or resembles silver.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a neuter noun, argentum functions as both the subject and the direct object in a sentence. The genitive singular form, used to express 'of silver', is argenti. When using the adjective argenteus, remember that it must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, appearing as argenteus (masculine), argentea (feminine) or argenteum (neuter).
Did you know?
- The chemical symbol for silver, 'Ag', is derived directly from the first two letters of argentum.
- In some Latin-derived Romance languages, the word for 'silver' evolved into terms that also mean 'money' or 'wealth', reflecting the metal's historical role as currency.
- The root of argentum is believed to be connected to the Indo-European word for 'shining' or 'white', emphasizing its visual property rather than just its chemical identity.
Examples in context
- Argentum vilius est auro.Silver is cheaper than gold.This sentence is useful for comparing the value of silver to gold.Tatoeba #5205553 by alexmarcelo, translation #6330639 by RudeGuyGames
- Aurum gravius quam argentum est.Gold is heavier than silver.This sentence is useful for comparing the weight of gold to silver.Tatoeba #5049287 by alexmarcelo, translation #18592 by CK
- Aurum multo pretiosius est quam argentum.Gold is much more expensive than silver.This sentence is useful for comparing the cost of gold to silver.Tatoeba #7090420 by alexmarcelo, translation #6243745 by CK
- In villa nostra sunt multa argenta.There are many silver items in our house.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucius and Lucia are looking at jewelry in a market.
- LuciusHic anulus ex argento est.This ring is made of silver.
- LuciaPulchrum argentum est, Luci.It is beautiful silver, Lucius.
- LuciusQuantum constat hoc argentum?How much does this silver cost?
- LuciaNon est nimis carum.It is not too expensive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silver” translations and entries argentum, pustulatum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries argentum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
