Plus

Definition

'Plus' is a comparative term in Latin, commonly translated as 'more' or 'greater,' and it is often used to indicate an increase in quality or quantity. In the context of adjectives, 'plus' helps form the comparative degree, showing the comparison between different subjects or objects. Additionally, it plays a significant role in the declension of third declension adjectives, providing a way to compare characteristics or attributes of nouns that these adjectives modify.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Plus' can be used with both adjectives and adverbs to indicate a greater degree of a quality.
2. In comparison, 'plus' is often paired with other words such as 'quam,' meaning 'than,' to create comparative statements.
3. 'Plus' does not change its form regardless of gender or number when used as an adjective.
4. The superlative form of 'plus' is 'plurimus,' which indicates the greatest amount or degree.
5. When using 'plus' with third declension adjectives, it adheres to the same patterns of declension as other third declension forms.

Review Questions

• How does the term 'plus' function in forming comparative degrees in Latin?
  • 'Plus' serves as a key component in forming comparative degrees by indicating an increase in quality or quantity. It is used to compare two subjects by suggesting that one has more of a particular quality than the other. For instance, when describing two cities, one might say 'Urbs A est plus magna quam Urbs B,' meaning 'City A is bigger than City B.' This illustrates how 'plus' plays a vital role in comparative constructions.
• Discuss how 'plus' is used differently from superlative forms in Latin adjectives.
  • 'Plus' is employed for comparing two entities, while superlative forms convey the highest degree among three or more subjects. For example, using 'plus' allows for comparisons like 'this book is better than that one.' In contrast, a superlative like 'optimus' expresses that one book is the best among all options. Thus, while both terms are crucial for expressing degree, they serve distinct functions within the grammar of Latin.
• Evaluate how understanding 'plus' enhances comprehension of third declension adjectives and their comparisons.
  • Grasping how 'plus' operates allows for deeper understanding of third declension adjectives by illustrating how these adjectives express varying degrees of qualities. As 'plus' indicates a comparative relationship, recognizing its role helps identify how third declension adjectives modify nouns in different contexts. This understanding can significantly enhance one's ability to construct accurate sentences that reflect subtle distinctions in meaning and quality among subjects.

Related terms

Comparative Adjectives: 'Comparative adjectives' are forms of adjectives that are used to compare two or more nouns, often formed with 'plus' in Latin.

Superlative Adjectives: 'Superlative adjectives' indicate the highest degree of a quality among three or more subjects and can be formed by adding specific endings to the positive form.

Declension: 'Declension' refers to the variations of the form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective based on case, number, and gender in Latin.