arcessitus
The English phrase 'summoned' is translated into Latin as arcessitus.
The term refers to someone being called upon to appear or come to a specific place.
Which one should you use?
While arcessitus is a standard way to express being summoned, condictus is a more formal and sophisticated alternative specifically used in legal or administrative contexts.
Did you know?
- Roman law distinguished between being arcessitus by a private citizen and being summoned by a magistrate, which carried the threat of physical force if ignored.
- In ancient Rome, being arcessitus might involve a 'nuntius', or messenger, rather than a direct verbal command, as social status dictated who could approach whom.
- The root of arcessō shares a distant ancestral connection with the concept of 'reaching' out to someone, bridging the gap between 'summoning' and 'reaching'.
Examples in context
- Servus ad domum arcessitus est.The slave was summoned to the house.
- Arcessitus est ad regem.He was summoned to the king.
Example conversation
Julia and Quintus are talking about a legal matter.
- JuliaUbi est Quintus?Where is Quintus?
- QuintusHic sum. Cur sum arcessitus?I am here. Why was I summoned?
- JuliaMagistratus te videt.The magistrate wishes to see you.
- QuintusStatim eam sequor.I will follow her immediately.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arcessitus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
