Ch 12 · Lesson 10Latin · Chapter 12 · Lesson 10 · Grammar primer
Invictus or invicta: Latin that describes the wearer
If an adjective describes you, it agrees with you: invicta on a woman, victrix not . and have one form for both.
The short version
Invicta on a woman: the adjective agrees with you
invicta
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If an adjective describes the wearer, it agrees with the wearer. Invictus, and become invicta, and on a woman. Third-declension adjectives such as and have one form for both, and verb endings never change for gender.
Phrases that describe you
If an adjective or noun describes the wearer, it agrees with the wearer, including in gender. This is where customised tattoo Latin most often goes wrong.
| Meaning | A man | A woman |
|---|---|---|
| unconquered | invictus | invicta |
| blessed | | |
| alone | | |
| loved | | |
| winner | | victrix |
| commander | | imperatrix |
Invictus , the motto of the Armstrongs, is right for a man; a woman needs invicta . The last two rows are nouns, but the rule is the same: a woman is a victrix.
Most third-declension adjectives have one form for men and women, so they cannot go wrong (a few, such as acer, acris, keen, have two):
| Adjective | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| brave | |
| faithful | |
| lucky | |
audax | bold | audax |
| whole | |
, always faithful, is the motto of the US Marine Corps, and it fits every Marine.
Going further: Orders: carpe diem and memento mori and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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