Latin is a language that has had a significant influence on English, and many Latinate words have been adopted into English. Some of these words end in “-us”, and these words often have a specific meaning related to something or someone’s attributes. Four such words are “focus”, “census”, “campus”, and “nexus”.
Latinate Words Ending in -us
When you encounter a Latinate word that ends in -us, it’s helpful to understand its structure to determine its meaning and usage. Latinate words are words derived from Latin, the language of ancient Rome. Here’s a breakdown of the most common structure for Latinate words ending in -us:
Root + Suffix
Latinate words ending in -us typically consist of a root (or base word) and the -us suffix, which serves as a noun ending. The root conveys the core meaning of the word, while the -us suffix indicates that the word is a masculine noun.
Examples:
- Corpus (root) + -us (suffix) = Corpus (body)
- Radius (root) + -us (suffix) = Radius (spoke of a wheel)
- Tempus (root) + -us (suffix) = Tempus (time)
Nouns of Action or State
Latinate words ending in -us often denote nouns of action or state. This means they describe a process, activity, or condition.
- Examples:
- Applausus (applause)
- Concursus (meeting)
- Visus (vision)
Nouns of Instrument or Object
Some Latinate words ending in -us can also function as nouns of instrument or object. They refer to a tool, device, or object used for a specific purpose.
- Examples:
- Apparatus (equipment)
- Calceus (shoe)
- Penicillus (brush)
Plural Form
The plural form of Latinate words ending in -us is typically formed by changing the -us ending to -i.
- Examples:
- Corpus – Corpora
- Radius – Radii
- Tempus – Tempora
Table of Common Latinate Words Ending in -us
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech |
|---|---|---|
| Animus | Mind, spirit | Noun |
| Consensus | Agreement | Noun |
| Logos | Word, reason | Noun |
| Modus | Manner, way | Noun |
| Nexus | Connection, link | Noun |
| Oculus | Eye | Noun |
| Status | Position, condition | Noun |
| Stimulus | Goad, incentive | Noun |
| Virtus | Virtue, excellence | Noun |
| Solus | Alone | Adjective |
Question 1:
What are the characteristics of Latinate words ending in “us”?
Answer:
Latinate words ending in “us” typically possess the following characteristics:
- They are usually nouns (subject)
- They exhibit a Latinate origin (attribute)
- They convey a sense of imposing stature or grandeur (value)
Question 2:
How do Latinate words ending in “us” impact the tone of a sentence?
Answer:
Latinate words ending in “us” have a significant impact on the tone of a sentence by:
- Lending an air of sophistication and elevated diction (object)
- Creating a formal, erudite impression (attribute)
- Imparting a sense of gravitas and authority (value)
Question 3:
What are some common examples of Latinate words ending in “us”?
Answer:
While your question asks for examples, it is important to note that providing examples in this response would alter the nature of the answer and make it no longer suitable for NLP-friendly analysis. However, some common Latinate words ending in “us” include:
- Corpus (noun)
- Legatus (noun)
- Consensus (noun)
- Apparatu (noun)
- Modus (noun)
Well, that’s all for our little investigation into Latinate words. I hope you enjoyed it! As always, thanks for reading, and be sure to check back again for more linguistic adventures. You never know what you might learn!