verbum
[ˈwɛr.bũː]neuter
The English word "word" is translated into Latin as verbum, a neuter noun. Wiktionary also lists vocābulum and fātus.
Meaning: unit of language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| verbum | [ˈwɛr.bũː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈvɛr.bum] (narrow) |
neuter |
| vocābulum | neuter | |
| fātus | masculine |
The phrase refers to a unit of language. In a religious context, the capitalized form Verbum specifically refers to the Creative word of God.
Which one should you use?
verbum is the general term for a word, whereas vocābulum refers more specifically to a single term or a vocabulary item. vocābulum is often used to denote a specific term or a word in a list, such as a vocabulary word.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of verbum is verba. The forms verbum and vocābulum are neuter, while fātus is masculine.
Did you know?
- The Latin form fātus relates to the concept of a 'word' as a spoken prophecy or an inevitable decree of fate.
- In Roman law, the verba of a contract were often more important than the intent, as the literal words held legal binding power.
- The Latin word verbum is a direct ancestor of the English word 'verb'.
Examples in context
- Hoc non est verbum Dei.This is not the word of God.This sentence is useful for showing the negation of the word of God using verbum.Tatoeba #13904710 by rul, translation #12303461 by Miktsoanit
- Domus verbum facile est.House is an easy word.This sentence illustrates the use of verbum to describe the difficulty of a word.Tatoeba #4937067 by Hans07, translation #1224038 by Ketutar
- Cūr vocābulum oblīta es?Why have you forgotten the word?This sentence shows the use of vocābulum when referring to a forgotten term.Tatoeba #11137974 by alexmarcelo, translation #7999585 by ciwlx
- Verbum est fundamentum orationis.Word is the foundation of speech.
- Hoc verbum est derivatum ex lingua Latina.This word is derived from the Latin language.
- Vox est vocabulum significativum.Voice is a meaningful term.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is asking a teacher about a specific term in a book.
- GaiusQuid est hoc verbum?What is this word?
- AureliaHoc verbum novum est.This word is new.
- GaiusEstne significātiō eius difficilis?Is its meaning difficult?
- AureliaIta, sed verbum breve est.Yes, but the word is short.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “word” translations and entries verbum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries verbum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
