Latin edit

Etymology edit

From prō- + the root of parō, pariō, thus signifying "readiness".

Pronunciation edit

Adjective edit

properus (feminine propera, neuter properum, adverb properē); first/second-declension adjective

  1. hasty, quick, speedy
    Synonyms: rapidus, vēlōx, celer, levis, prōmptus, facilis
    Antonyms: lentus, tardus, sērus

Usage notes edit

According to Döderlein, celer and citus mean "swift, fast, quick" in terms of quick motion (in general) with tardus as their antonym. More specifically, citus refers to a lively motion, whereas celer refers to an eager or impetuous motion.

On the other hand, pernīx and vēlōx as "quick" denote a level of athletic nimbleness in terms of bodily activity, with lentus as their antonym. More specifically, pernīx involves a level of dexterity and quickness in an eclectic range of actions (such as climbing, hurdling, jumping, vaulting, etc.); whereas vēlōx is especially used for running, swimming and flying (moving in a direction)

Thirdly, properus and festīnus as "quick" refer specifically to one's speed in terms of the shortest time to reach a destination, with sēgnis as their antonym. More specifically, festīnus intimates a certain level of impatience, whereas properus simply indicates a haste from energy simply.

Declension edit

First/second-declension adjective.

Number Singular Plural
Case / Gender Masculine Feminine Neuter Masculine Feminine Neuter
Nominative properus propera properum properī properae propera
Genitive properī properae properī properōrum properārum properōrum
Dative properō properō properīs
Accusative properum properam properum properōs properās propera
Ablative properō properā properō properīs
Vocative propere propera properum properī properae propera

Derived terms edit

References edit

  • properus”, in Charlton T. Lewis and Charles Short (1879) A Latin Dictionary, Oxford: Clarendon Press
  • properus”, in Charlton T. Lewis (1891) An Elementary Latin Dictionary, New York: Harper & Brothers
  • properus in Gaffiot, Félix (1934) Dictionnaire illustré latin-français, Hachette.