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🏛️elementary latin review

Templum magnum est

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

Definition

The phrase 'templum magnum est' translates to 'the temple is great' in English. This expression illustrates the use of predicate nominatives and adjectives, where 'templum' serves as the subject and 'magnum' acts as an adjective describing the subject, while 'est' is the linking verb connecting them. Understanding this phrase reveals how Latin structures sentences to convey meaning through relationships between nouns and their descriptors.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. 'templum' is a neuter singular noun in the nominative case, meaning it can be used as the subject of the sentence.
  2. 'magnum' is an adjective that agrees with 'templum' in gender (neuter), number (singular), and case (nominative).
  3. The linking verb 'est' indicates the present tense, establishing a state of being or existence.
  4. In this phrase, the adjective 'magnum' conveys a qualitative description of the temple, emphasizing its greatness.
  5. Predicate nominatives like 'templum magnum est' are essential for forming simple yet descriptive sentences in Latin.

Review Questions

  • How does the structure of 'templum magnum est' exemplify the concept of predicate nominatives in Latin?
    • 'templum magnum est' exemplifies predicate nominatives by using 'templum' as the subject, followed by the linking verb 'est'. The adjective 'magnum' acts as a predicate nominative that describes the subject. This structure demonstrates how Latin sentences can convey information about a subject through linking verbs and descriptive terms, which is essential for understanding basic Latin sentence construction.
  • Discuss the role of the adjective 'magnum' in relation to the noun 'templum' within the phrase.
    • 'magnum' plays a crucial role as it modifies 'templum', providing a qualitative description that enhances our understanding of what type of temple is being referred to. The adjective must agree with the noun in gender, number, and case, which it does as both are in the nominative singular neuter form. This agreement is key to forming grammatically correct sentences in Latin, highlighting how closely linked nouns and adjectives are in conveying meaning.
  • Evaluate how understanding phrases like 'templum magnum est' can enhance comprehension of Latin sentence structure and grammar.
    • Understanding phrases like 'templum magnum est' helps build a foundational grasp of Latin sentence structure by illustrating key grammatical concepts such as subjects, linking verbs, and adjective agreement. By recognizing how these elements interact within a sentence, learners can better comprehend more complex sentences and their meanings. This foundational knowledge also aids in translating and constructing sentences accurately, thus enhancing overall proficiency in Latin.