Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| turpis | [ˈtʊr.pɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈtur.pis] (narrow) |
| dēfōrmis | |
| foedus | [ˈfoe̯.dʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfɛː.dus] (narrow) |
These words are used to describe things that are displeasing to the eye or not aesthetically pleasing.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of ugliness you wish to convey. dēfōrmis emphasizes a lack of proper shape or proportion, often implying a physical deformity. foedus carries a stronger connotation of being physically foul, dirty or revolting to the senses. turpis is often used to describe something that is not just physically ugly, but also morally shameful or disgraceful.
How does it change in a sentence?
These adjectives follow third declension patterns. For the masculine and feminine forms, turpis and dēfōrmis remain the same in the nominative singular. The neuter forms change to turpe and dēfōrme respectively.
Examples in context
- Senex et foedus est.He's old and ugly.This sentence uses foedus to describe an old person.Tatoeba #6330352 by CarpeLanam, translation #2220969 by Hybrid
- Thomas foedus non est.Tom isn't ugly.This sentence uses foedus to state that someone is not ugly.Tatoeba #7053097 by alexmarcelo, translation #3171265 by CK
- Anas parva turpis est.The little duck is ugly.This sentence uses turpis to describe a small duck.Tatoeba #11162482 by carlosalberto, translation #11162478 by carlosalberto
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are looking at a piece of pottery.
- MarcusHoc vas turpe est.This pot is ugly.
- AureliaNon puto, Marce.I don't think so, Marcus.
- MarcusSed color eius turpis est.But its color is ugly.
- AureliaMihi placet.I like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ugly” translations and entries turpis, foedus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
