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🏛️elementary latin review

Plurimus

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

Definition

Plurimus is a Latin adjective meaning 'most' or 'very many,' used in the context of comparison. It is the superlative form of the adjective 'multus,' which translates to 'much' or 'many.' This term highlights the degree to which something exceeds others in quantity or extent, emphasizing its comparative nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Plurimus is the superlative form of multus, highlighting its function in expressing the highest degree of quantity.
  2. In Latin grammar, plurimus agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, just like other adjectives.
  3. The feminine and neuter forms of plurimus are plurima and plurimum, respectively, allowing for gender-specific usage.
  4. Plurimus can be used both attributively, directly modifying a noun, and predicatively, linking to the subject of a sentence.
  5. Understanding how to use plurimus correctly is essential for forming complex sentences that express detailed comparisons.

Review Questions

  • How does plurimus relate to its root adjective multus in terms of usage and meaning?
    • Plurimus is a superlative form derived from the adjective multus, which means 'much' or 'many.' While multus can describe a considerable amount, plurimus takes this further by denoting the greatest amount or most numerous quantity. This distinction allows speakers to convey not just abundance but also superiority in quantity when using plurimus.
  • In what ways does the grammatical structure of plurimus affect its agreement with nouns in a sentence?
    • As with other Latin adjectives, plurimus must agree with the nouns it modifies in gender, number, and case. This means that if it modifies a feminine noun, it would change to plurima; for neuter nouns, it becomes plurimum. This agreement ensures clarity in communication by aligning the adjective's form with that of the noun it describes.
  • Evaluate the significance of using plurimus in crafting complex comparative sentences in Latin literature.
    • Using plurimus in Latin literature significantly enriches comparative expressions and provides depth to descriptions. It allows authors to articulate not only abundance but also superiority among quantities or characteristics within their narratives. This nuanced use of language reflects broader themes and complexities in texts, enhancing both clarity and literary impact as authors compare diverse elements effectively.