Expertlatin
- What are examples of deponent verbs?
- What are semi deponent verbs?
- What is a defective verb in Latin?
- Why does Latin have deponent verbs?
What are examples of deponent verbs?
When a Latin verb is passive in form, but has an active meaning, it is called a deponent verb. For example: sequor, sequi, secutus sum (3) means 'to follow' and not 'to be followed'. Even though it appears to be passive, it is translated with an active meaning and can have an object following it.
What are semi deponent verbs?
What are semi-deponent verbs in Latin? Semi-deponent verbs are verbs that are regular in the present system and deponent in the perfect system. So, half of the time they behave regularly: active endings = active meanings and passive endings = passive meanings.
What is a defective verb in Latin?
Coepi is a “defective verb,” which means that it does not exist in all tenses. In the present tense, the verb “to begin” is incipio, -ere, incepi, inceptus, which can be used in the perfect tense as well. But in narratives in the past tense, it is more common to use coepi to mean “I began.” No reason, just is.
Why does Latin have deponent verbs?
There is a group of verbs in Latin which have passive forms but active meanings. They are called deponent verbs because they have “laid aside” (dëpönö, -ere) their passive meanings but have retained their passive forms. They are translated only in the active voice.
