passio
[ˈpas.si.oː]
The English phrase 'suffering' can be translated into Latin as passio.
passio is used to describe the act of experiencing pain or suffering. In medieval Latin, the term passio can be used to convey concepts of suffering.
Meaning: experiencing pain (adj)
Which one should you use?
When you want to specify different types of suffering, you might use other terms: Dolor translates to pain and represents a physical or emotional ache, while Tormentum emphasizes intense suffering or torment. To describe a state of intense mental or emotional distress, Angustia signifies anguish and conveys a state of intense mental or emotional distress.
Did you know?
- The term angustia, used for mental distress, literally means 'narrowness'. It describes the feeling of being trapped in a tight space.
- The word passio is the direct ancestor of the English word 'passion'. Originally, it did not mean romantic longing or enthusiasm, but rather the act of enduring pain.
- In English, a 'patient' is someone receiving medical care, a term that shares the same linguistic root as passio.
Examples in context
- Tormentum animi inauditum est.Torment of the soul is unheard of.
- Non possum poenas pati pro erroribus meis.I cannot suffer punishment for my mistakes.
- Misera vita est.Life is miserable.
- Penuria ciborum facit homines dolere.A lack of food causes people to suffer.
Example conversation
Gaius and Julia are visiting a sick friend.
- GaiusCur videtur passio in facie eius?Why does suffering seem to be on his face?
- JuliaFebres eum nocte et die vexant.Fevers plague him night and day.
- GaiusHaec passio est vere tristis.This suffering is truly sad.
- JuliaSperamus eum mox sanum fore.We hope he will be healed soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry passio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
