Why is that which is spoken of expressed as in + ablative?

1. What is the rule for the ablative of means in Latin?
2. What is the meaning of ablative of means?
3. How do you identify the ablative of means?
4. Why use the ablative case in Latin?

What is the rule for the ablative of means in Latin?

This use originates in the old instrumental case, not found in Latin, so the ablative case is used instead. We translate the ablative of means with a "by" or "with" ("by means of" is literal).

What is the meaning of ablative of means?

Ablative of instrument or of means marks the means by which an action is carried out: oculīs vidēre, "to see with the eyes". This is equivalent to the instrumental case found in some other languages.

How do you identify the ablative of means?

The Ablative of Means is used with verbs and adjectives of filling, abounding, and the like. God has filled the world with all good things. They fill up the ditches with earth and fascines. He filled the whole mountain with men.

Why use the ablative case in Latin?

The ablative after prepositions of place or time denotes location in place and time. This is to be distinguished from the accusative after the same preposition which indicates motion into, down under, toward, etc.