non mortuus
[ˈnoːn ˈmɔr.tu.ʊs]word by word
The English word "undead" is expressed in Latin as non mortuus.
The term is an adjective used to describe a being that is animate, though non-living.
Meaning: being animate, though non-living (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the negation non (not) and the adjective mortuus (dead).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because mortuus is an adjective, it must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use non mortua for a feminine subject. Use the neuter form non mortuum when describing a neuter noun. Use the masculine plural form non mortui when describing multiple male or mixed-gender subjects.
Did you know?
- The root of mortuus is related to the Sanskrit word mṛtá, which also means 'dead'.
- While non mortuus is a literal translation, Romans often used immortalis to describe beings that cannot die, such as gods.
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are discussing a spooky legend.
- ClaudiaVidistine illum spiritum non mortuum?Did you see that undead spirit?
- GaiusNon vidi, sed timeo eum.I didn't see it, but I fear him.
- ClaudiaClaudit portas ne non mortuus intret.Close the doors so the undead one doesn't enter.
- GaiusIta facies, Claudia.I will do so, Claudia.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (non, mortuus) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mortuus, non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
