vincere
[wɪŋˈkeː.rɛ]
To win in Latin is vincere.
The verb is transitive, meaning it is used to express achieving victory in something.
Meaning: transitive: achieve victory in (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form vincere is the present active infinitive, used to express the concept of winning itself. To express the action in the present tense for a third-person singular subject (he, she or it), you can use vincit. For a completed action in the past, use the perfect tense form vicit.
Did you know?
- The root of vincere is also found in the word 'evince', which means to reveal or show a quality, effectively 'winning' it out into the open.
- While 'to win' in English often implies a prize, using vincere in Latin contexts frequently carried a connotation of much more violent or total domination.
- In many classical texts, vincere is used metaphorically to describe 'winning' over one's own passions or fears, a common Stoic theme.
Examples in context
- Dīcit sē vincere velle.He says that he intends to win.This sentence shows how to express an intention to win using vincere.Tatoeba #11128164 by alexmarcelo, translation #7398414 by CH
- Negat sē vincere posse.He says that he can't win.This sentence illustrates the use of vincere when stating an inability to win.Tatoeba #11128192 by alexmarcelo, translation #7403460 by CH
- Scīmus nōs vincere posse.We know that we can win.This sentence demonstrates using vincere to express the ability to win.Tatoeba #11107665 by alexmarcelo, translation #10016990 by CK
- Nos heri ludum superavimus.We won the game yesterday.
- Is semper in controversiis praecellit.He always wins in debates.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are discussing an upcoming competition.
- MarcusPutāsne nōs victūrōs esse?Do you think we will win?
- AureliaCertē vincere possumus!Certainly we can win!
- MarcusSed hostis validus est.But the enemy is strong.
- AureliaTamen volō vincere.Still, I want to win.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vincere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
