fortis
[ˈfɔr.tɪs]
The English word 'valiant' is translated into Latin as fortis.
The word fortis is used to describe someone or something characterized by bravery or valor. While it can refer to being strong in a physical sense, when used in the context of warfare or a person's character, it specifically denotes bravery and valor.
Meaning: characterized by or done with bravery or valour (adj)
Which one should you use?
While fortis is the standard form, the superlative form fortissimus is used to describe someone who is the 'most valiant' or 'bravest'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fortis follows the third declension. This means its nominative singular and genitive singular forms are both fortis, and its neuter nominative/accusative singular is forte. To express 'of the valiant ones', you would use the genitive plural form fortium.
Did you know?
- The English word 'fortress' is a distant cousin to fortis, sharing a conceptual link between being 'valiant' and being a 'stronghold' or a place of stability.
- The Latin concept of fortitudo described 'valiance' not as a sudden act of courage, but as a lifelong cardinal virtue of endurance and resisting temptation.
- If you look at the ancient roots of fortis, it may stem from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to rise' or 'high', suggesting that being 'valiant' is etymologically linked to being 'elevated' or 'high up'.
Examples in context
- Horum omnium fortissimi sunt Belgae.Of all the peoples of Gaul, the Belgae are the most valiant.This sentence uses fortis to describe the Belgae as the most valiant of all the peoples of Gaul.Tatoeba #1073532 by Scott, translation #12566985 by rul
- En lectulum Salomonis sexaginta fortes ambiunt ex fortissimis Israel, omnes tenentes gladios, et ad bella doctissimi: uniuscuiusque ensis super femur suum propter timores nocturnos.Here is Solomon's litter. Sixty valiant men surround him, the elite of Israel's valiant men: all expert swordsmen, veterans of battle. Each has his sword at his side, fearing the surprises of the night.This sentence uses fortis to describe the sixty valiant men surrounding Solomon's litter.Tatoeba #12408050 by carlosalberto, translation #12408113 by carlosalberto
- Miles fortis est.The soldier is valiant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fortis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fortis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
