Grex luporum
The English phrase "wolf pack" is translated into Latin as Grex luporum.
Grex luporum is used to describe a group of wolves that live and hunt together.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of grex (flock, herd or group) and the genitive plural luporum (of wolves).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word grex is a singular noun, so it is used with the genitive plural luporum to indicate a single group composed of multiple wolves. If you were to use the singular genitive lupae, you would be referring to a group belonging to a single wolf, which is grammatically different from a pack of multiple wolves.
Did you know?
- The Latin word grex is a linguistic ancestor of the English word 'segregate', which literally means to set apart from the 'herd'.
- In Roman culture, grex was often used as a metaphor to describe a crowd of people or a following of disciples.
- While grex describes a pack of wolves, Romans used the same word to describe a flock of sheep or a herd of cattle.
Examples in context
- Grex luporum in silva ambulat.A wolf pack walks in the forest.
- Grex luporum per montes iter facit.A wolf pack makes its way through the mountains.
Example conversation
Two travelers discuss a sound they heard near their camp.
- ClaudiaAudisne clamorem in nocte?Do you hear a noise in the night?
- QuintusIta, fortasse grex luporum est prope nos.Yes, perhaps a wolf pack is near us.
- ClaudiaQuinte, timor meus crescit.Quintus, my fear is growing.
- QuintusNoli timere, Claudia, ignis nos proteget.Do not fear, Claudia, the fire will protect us.
