Dictionary formmens, mentis(feminine)
Translation
mind; intention, purpose; understanding
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Grammar
Cases
| Case | singular | plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativethe subject | mens | mentes |
| Vocativecalling someone: O ... | mens | mentes |
| Accusativethe direct object; after ad, in (into), per | mentem | mentes |
| Genitiveof | mentis | mentium |
| Dativeto, for | menti | mentibus |
| Ablativeby, with, from; after a, ab, cum, de, e, ex, in (in), sine | mente | mentibus |
Examples
sana sano.
A sound mind in a sound body.
.
I have this in mind.
.
I could not change his mind.
.
He was strong in mind and body.
.
The minds of men are various.
Mens, mentis is third declension feminine and an i-stem, so the genitive plural is mentium. The stem is ment-, and the nominative is that stem plus -s with the t lost in the spelling, exactly as in gens and mors.
The ablative mente has a long afterlife. Latin said bona mente, "with a good mind", to describe how something was done, and that phrase hardened into the Romance adverb ending: Spanish rápidamente and French rapidement are both this noun, fossilised. Worth knowing before you meet it in a grammar. The distinction to hold is against animus: mens is intellect, judgement and intention, animus is spirit, will and temper. They overlap and are not swappable. Family: mentio, memini, comminiscor, demens, vehemens. English mental, demented, reminiscence and, at one remove, mention.
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mens: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Latin word "mens" (mind; intention, purpose; understanding): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is taught in chapter 3, lesson 1: mens, volo, alter and 6 more words.