Translation
for; indeed
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Examples
; aeger .
I shall not come, for I am ill.
Difficile tacere.
For it is hard to keep silent.
.
For nobody can know this.
.
For he was a brave man.
.
For the thing itself speaks.
"enim" gives the reason for the statement just made, so it means "for" in the old explanatory sense, or sometimes simply "indeed". It looks backwards, which is why it cannot start a sentence: it is POSTPOSITIVE, and Roman writers put it second, sometimes third, almost without exception.
"nam" does much the same job but stands FIRST, so between them they cover both slots. If you want the connective at the head of the clause, use "nam"; if the first word is already spoken for, use "enim". When translating, move it to the front in English and the sentence usually falls into place.
Where this fits
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Latin · Free printables
enim: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Latin word "enim" (for; indeed): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
This word is taught in chapter 1, lesson 6: enim, hic, atque and 8 more words.