successus
masculine
The English word 'success' can be translated into Latin as successus. Wiktionary also lists fructus.
Meaning: achievement of one's aim or goal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| successus | masculine | |
| fructus | [ˈfruːk.tʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfruk.tus] (narrow) |
Success in Latin can be expressed through several different terms depending on whether you are discussing an abstract outcome or the tangible benefits of an achievement. Successus refers to the achievement of a goal or a successful outcome, while fructus is used to describe the 'fruits', profits or positive results gained from one's labors.
Which one should you use?
Successus is used for the abstract concept of a successful outcome. In contrast, fructus is used metaphorically to describe the 'fruits', profits or tangible enjoyment gained from that success.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of successus is successus in the nominative plural, which is identical to the singular form or successūs (with a long u) in certain declensions.
Did you know?
- While we use 'success' to mean winning, the Latin successus literally describes the act of 'following after' or 'coming after' something.
- In some contexts, fructus can refer specifically to the legal right to enjoy the profits of another person's property.
- The term fructus is derived from fruor, a verb that describes the act of enjoying or using something.
Examples in context
- Fructus eius aliis cantoribus invidiae factus est.Her success has been arousing jealousy among the other singers.This sentence shows how fructus can be used to describe the results of a singer's work.Tatoeba #8822978 by RudeGuyGames, translation #8339025 by illiterate
- Honores et felicitas sequuntur fortitudinem.Honors and success follow fortitude.
- Tempus et occasio crescentem prosperitatem adferunt.Time and opportunity bring growing success.
- Optime tacuisti!You remained perfectly silent!
- Successus est finis laborum nostrorum.Success is the end of our labors.
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus discuss a completed project.
- JuliaVide, Quinte, magnus successus est!Look, Quintus, it is a great success!
- QuintusIta est, Iulia. Optime fecisti.It is, Julia. You did very well.
- JuliaSumma laetitia me implet.The greatest joy fills me.
- QuintusMeruisti hunc successum.You deserved this success.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “success” translations and entries successus, fructus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fructus, successus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
