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🏛️elementary latin review

Cūro

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Cūro is a Latin verb that means 'to care for' or 'to take care of.' This term is important as it represents actions of tending, managing, or overseeing something, and can extend to mean 'to cure' in certain contexts. Understanding cūro is essential for grasping how verbs in Latin express not just physical actions but also emotional and social responsibilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Cūro belongs to the first conjugation of Latin verbs, which means it typically has an -are ending in its infinitive form.
  2. The principal parts of cūro are cūro, cūrāre, cūrāvī, and cūrātum, which help in conjugating the verb across various tenses and voices.
  3. In literary texts, cūro can imply not only physical care but also emotional or moral responsibility towards someone or something.
  4. Cūro can be found in various idiomatic expressions and phrases in classical literature, often related to themes of responsibility and duty.
  5. The verb is commonly used in both prose and poetry, where it can convey deeper meanings associated with love, concern, and vigilance.

Review Questions

  • How does the meaning of cūro expand beyond mere physical care to encompass emotional responsibility?
    • Cūro goes beyond simply providing physical care by representing a broader concept of responsibility and emotional investment. In literature and conversation, using cūro can indicate a deep sense of duty towards another person or cause, suggesting that caring involves emotional engagement as well. This layered meaning allows for a richer understanding of relationships and obligations within both personal and societal contexts.
  • In what ways does the verb cūro illustrate the characteristics of first conjugation Latin verbs?
    • Cūro exemplifies first conjugation Latin verbs through its -are ending in the infinitive form and its systematic pattern of conjugation. As a first conjugation verb, it follows predictable patterns across different tenses, such as present, past, and future. This regularity allows students to more easily learn and apply it in various contexts while understanding how its forms change depending on the subject and tense.
  • Evaluate the implications of using cūro in classical literature; how does it reflect cultural attitudes towards care and responsibility?
    • Using cūro in classical literature provides insight into cultural attitudes surrounding care and responsibility within Roman society. It reflects values such as duty towards family and community, emphasizing the importance placed on looking after others. This term's application in narratives often conveys moral lessons about the significance of care in relationships, illustrating how interconnectedness was viewed as essential to social harmony. Analyzing these instances helps us understand deeper societal norms regarding compassion and obligation in ancient Rome.