7.2 Ordinal numbers
6 min read•august 21, 2024
in Latin are crucial for expressing rank, sequence, and position. Unlike that denote quantity, ordinals focus on order within a set. They're formed by adding suffixes to cardinal stems, with some irregular forms requiring memorization.
Ordinals function as adjectives, agreeing with nouns in gender, number, and case. They're essential in dates, literature, and inscriptions. Understanding their formation, , and usage is key to mastering Latin expression and comprehending ancient texts.
Definition of ordinal numbers
- Ordinal numbers in Latin indicate position or order in a sequence
- Serve a crucial role in Elementary Latin by enabling precise expression of rank, sequence, and position
- Differ from cardinal numbers which express quantity, ordinals focus on order within a set
Formation of ordinal numbers
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- Ordinal numbers follow specific patterns based on their cardinal counterparts
- Generally formed by adding suffixes to the stem of cardinal numbers
- Irregular forms exist for certain numbers, requiring memorization
First through tenth
- (first) derived from irregular base, not related to unus (one)
- (second) also irregular, stems from sequi (to follow)
- through decimus follow more regular patterns
- (fourth) drops final -uor from quattuor (four)
- (ninth) shortens novem (nine)
Eleventh through twentieth
- (eleventh) combines un- (from unus) with decimus (tenth)
- through undevicesimus follow similar compound structure
- (twentieth) introduces new stem vic- for multiples of ten
- Ordinals 13-19 can use either -decimus or -esimus suffix (tertius decimus or tredecimus)
Twenty-first and beyond
- Combine tens ordinal with units ordinal (vicesimus primus for twenty-first)
- Ordinals for tens use -esimus suffix (, )
- (hundredth) and (thousandth) important for larger numbers
- Complex ordinals like ducentesimus octogensimus quintus (285th) follow logical combination rules
Declension of ordinal numbers
- Ordinal numbers function grammatically as adjectives in Latin
- Decline to agree with the noun they modify in gender, number, and case
- Understanding declension patterns essential for correct usage in sentences
First and second declension
- Primus, , follows first/ adjective pattern
- Masculine and neuter forms decline like second declension nouns
- Feminine forms decline like nouns
- Secundus through decimus also follow this declension pattern
Third declension
- Ordinals from tertius onward belong to third declension
- Follow pattern of third declension adjectives with -i stem
- Nominative singular forms end in -ius for masculine, -ia for feminine, -ium for neuter
- Genitive singular ends in -ii for all genders
Usage in Latin sentences
- Ordinal numbers play vital role in expressing order and sequence
- Must agree with the noun they modify in gender, number, and case
- Understanding their usage enhances comprehension of Latin texts
As adjectives
- Modify nouns to indicate position or order (liber tertius - the third book)
- Can be used attributively or predicatively in sentences
- May precede or follow the noun they modify, affecting emphasis
- Often used with temporal expressions (tertio die - on the third day)
In dates
- Romans used a complex system of dates based on Kalends, Nones, and Ides
- Ordinals indicate how many days before these fixed points ()
- Anno Domini dates in Medieval Latin use ordinals for years ()
- Days of the month expressed with ordinals ()
Comparison with cardinal numbers
- Both ordinal and cardinal numbers essential for quantitative expression in Latin
- Understanding their distinct functions crucial for accurate translation and composition
Similarities and differences
- Both decline as adjectives, agreeing with nouns they modify
- Cardinals express quantity (tres libri - three books)
- Ordinals express position or order (tertius liber - the third book)
- Some overlap in form for first (unus/primus) and second (duo/secundus)
- Higher numbers have distinct forms for cardinals and ordinals
When to use each
- Use cardinals for counting or expressing quantity (quinque milites - five soldiers)
- Employ ordinals for ranking or sequencing (quintus miles - the fifth soldier)
- Dates typically use ordinals ( - the day before the Kalends of May)
- Ages often use cardinals (puer decem annorum - a boy of ten years)
Ordinal numbers in Roman numerals
- integral to understanding Latin inscriptions and texts
- Ordinals in Roman numerals follow specific conventions distinct from cardinals
Notation system
- Ordinals typically indicated by adding small raised letters to numerals
- Common suffixes include , -a, -um depending on gender
- M with raised o used for millesimus (thousandth)
- C with raised o for centesimus (hundredth)
Common examples
- Io or Ius for primus (first)
- IIo or IIus for secundus (second)
- IIIo or IIIus for tertius (third)
- Vo or Vus for quintus (fifth)
- Xo or Xus for decimus (tenth)
Special ordinal forms
- Certain ordinal numbers in Latin have unique forms or usages
- Understanding these exceptions important for accurate translation and composition
Irregular ordinals
- Primus (first) and secundus (second) not derived from their cardinal counterparts
- Nonus (ninth) shortens novem rather than adding typical suffix
- Vicesimus (twentieth) introduces new stem vic- used in subsequent tens
Compound ordinals
- Numbers 18, 19, 28, 29, etc. can use subtractive forms
- Duodevicesimus (18th) literally means "two from twentieth"
- Undevicesimus (19th) means "one from twentieth"
- These forms parallel cardinal number formation (duodeviginti, undeviginti)
Ordinals in Latin literature
- Ordinal numbers frequently appear in various genres of Latin literature
- Their usage often carries significance beyond mere numerical order
Historical texts
- Frequent use in recording chronology of events (anno urbis conditae septingentesimo quinquagesimo tertio)
- Ordinals mark succession of rulers (Tiberius secundus imperator Romanus)
- Used in describing battle formations (prima acies, secunda acies)
- Found in census records and official chronologies
Poetry and prose
- Poets use ordinals for metrical reasons or stylistic effect
- Ovid's "Metamorphoses" divided into 15 books, each referred to by ordinal
- Cicero's orations against Catiline known as "In Catilinam Prima, Secunda, Tertia, Quarta"
- Ordinals in prose often indicate sequence of arguments or points in rhetoric
Translation of ordinal numbers
- Accurate translation of ordinals crucial for preserving meaning and nuance
- Requires understanding of both Latin and target language conventions
Latin to English
- Most Latin ordinals have direct English equivalents (tertius - third)
- Pay attention to context for proper rendering of dates
- Consider stylistic choices when translating literary works
- Be aware of idiomatic expressions using ordinals ( - especially)
English to Latin
- Choose appropriate ordinal based on gender, number, and case of modified noun
- Use correct declension pattern for the ordinal
- Consider whether cardinal might be more appropriate in certain contexts
- Be mindful of special forms like duodevicesimus for compound numbers
Common phrases with ordinals
- Many fixed expressions in Latin incorporate ordinal numbers
- These phrases often carry idiomatic meanings beyond literal translation
Time expressions
- Tertia hora - at the third hour (around 9 AM in Roman time)
- Quinto quoque anno - every fifth year
- Ante diem tertium Kalendas - three days before the Kalends
- Prima luce - at first light (dawn)
Ranking and order
- In primis - especially, among the first
- Secundum naturam - according to nature
- - no third (option) is given (law of excluded middle)
- Ad secundas menses - for the second course (of a meal)
Ordinals in Latin inscriptions
- Latin inscriptions frequently employ ordinal numbers
- Understanding their use in epigraphy aids interpretation of archaeological evidence
Monuments and dedications
- Ordinals mark succession of emperors or officials on dedicatory inscriptions
- Used in recording years of reign or office (tribunicia potestate tertium)
- Found in military honors listing battles or campaigns (tertium triumphans)
- Appear in foundation inscriptions marking order of construction phases
Official documents
- Consular dating system uses ordinals to indicate terms of office
- Laws and decrees often numbered with ordinals (Edictum Secundum)
- Ordinals mark sections or clauses in legal texts
- Found in boundary markers indicating order of survey points
Key Terms to Review (31)
-a: -a is a Latin suffix primarily used to indicate the nominative singular form of feminine nouns in the first declension, as well as being a key element in forming ordinal numbers and various common suffixes. This suffix helps establish the gender of the noun and plays a significant role in grammatical agreements within sentences, influencing how nouns relate to verbs and adjectives.
-um: -um is a Latin suffix primarily used to form neuter nouns and indicate the singular nominative case in the second declension. It is an essential part of Latin grammar, connecting to various aspects of the language, including grammatical structure, word formation, and the development of scientific terminology. The suffix -um appears in different contexts, from nouns in everyday use to terms that influence modern scientific language.
-us: -us is a common Latin suffix that serves as an indicator of masculine nouns in the second and fourth declensions. It plays a significant role in forming various Latin words, influencing not just grammatical structure but also extending to ordinal numbers and common suffixes. This suffix helps categorize nouns based on gender, number, and case, providing essential information for sentence construction and understanding.
Anno millesimo nongentesimo nonagesimo nono: This Latin phrase translates to 'in the year one thousand nine hundred ninety-nine,' representing a specific point in time. It illustrates how ordinal numbers are constructed in Latin, using a combination of numerical words to convey both the year and its sequence within a broader temporal context. Understanding this term helps to grasp how ordinal numbers function in expressing dates and historical events in Latin.
Ante diem tertium kalendas apriles: The phrase 'ante diem tertium kalendas apriles' translates to 'the third day before the Kalends of April' in English. This expression is a specific way of indicating a date in the Roman calendar system, where the Kalends (or the first day) of each month is a key reference point. It utilizes ordinal numbers to denote the position of a day relative to the Kalends, showcasing how the Romans measured time with precision.
Cardinal numbers: Cardinal numbers represent the quantity or count of something, indicating how many items are being referred to. They are the basic numbers used for counting (like one, two, three), distinguishing them from other types of numbers like ordinal numbers which indicate position or rank. Understanding cardinal numbers is essential when discussing Roman numerals, as they are often expressed in numeral form, and they also connect to distributive numbers that indicate equal distribution of a quantity.
Centesimus: Centesimus is a Latin term that translates to 'one hundredth' in English, and it is commonly used to represent ordinal numbers in a sequence. As an ordinal number, it denotes a position in a series, specifically the hundredth position, which is significant in various contexts such as counting, ranking, or organizing items. Understanding centesimus helps in grasping how ordinal numbers function within the broader numeral system.
Declension: Declension refers to the systematic variation of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in a language based on their grammatical case, number, and gender. This concept is essential for understanding how words change form to express their role in sentences, connecting with various linguistic elements like syllables, stress patterns, and the organization of personal and possessive pronouns.
Dies vicesimus quintus mensis martii: The term 'dies vicesimus quintus mensis martii' translates to 'the twenty-fifth day of the month of March' in Latin. It illustrates the use of ordinal numbers, which indicate the position of an element in a sequential order, such as first, second, or twenty-fifth. This phrase specifically reflects how dates were structured in Latin, where the day comes first, followed by the ordinal number and then the month.
Duodecimo: Duodecimo is a Latin term that refers to a specific ordinal number meaning 'twelfth'. It is derived from the combination of 'duodecim', which means twelve, and the suffix '-o' that designates an ordinal form. This term is used in various contexts, particularly in counting and ranking, as well as in literary and historical references.
Duodecimus: Duodecimus is a Latin term that translates to 'twelfth' in English, and it represents an ordinal number used to indicate position or order in a sequence. As part of the ordinal numbering system, it derives from the cardinal number 'duodecim,' meaning twelve, and reflects the conventions of Latin in expressing numerical hierarchy. Understanding duodecimus enriches one's grasp of not just basic counting but also the broader linguistic structure and cultural significance of numbers in Roman society.
First declension: The first declension is a category of nouns in Latin that typically features feminine endings and follows a specific pattern for inflection. It plays a crucial role in understanding noun forms, which can affect sentence structure and meaning, especially when used with verbs, adjectives, or in expressing relationships through indirect and direct objects.
Gender agreement: Gender agreement refers to the grammatical rule where nouns, adjectives, and pronouns must match in gender (masculine, feminine, or neuter) and number (singular or plural). This concept is vital in Latin as it affects how words relate to each other in a sentence, influencing the structure and meaning.
In primis: The Latin phrase 'in primis' translates to 'firstly' or 'in the first place.' It is often used to introduce the first item in a list or to emphasize the primary importance of a point being made. This term connects to ordinal numbers, as it signifies the first position or rank among items being discussed.
Millesimus: The term 'millesimus' translates to 'one-thousandth' in English, and it is an ordinal number used to indicate a position in a sequence, specifically the thousandth element. This term is part of a broader system of ordinal numbers in Latin, which provide a way to describe the order or rank of items in a list or series. Understanding 'millesimus' helps to grasp how numbers are articulated in Latin and their grammatical applications in various contexts.
Nonus: Nonus is a Latin term that means 'ninth.' It is used to indicate the ordinal position in a sequence, playing a vital role in counting and identifying order. Understanding nonus helps grasp the broader concept of ordinal numbers, which are essential in various languages for describing placement, ranking, and organization.
Ordinal numbers: Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position or order of objects in a sequence, such as first, second, third, and so on. They help us understand ranking and hierarchy, making them essential for conveying the order of items or events. In both language and mathematics, ordinal numbers play a vital role, particularly when discussing sequences or classifications.
Pridie kalendas maias: Pridie kalendas maias is a Latin phrase meaning 'the day before the Kalends of May', which refers to April 30th in the Roman calendar. This term showcases the use of ordinal numbers to specify dates and highlights the way Romans expressed time, particularly through their unique calendar system that featured Kalends, Nones, and Ides.
Primus: Primus is a Latin adjective meaning 'first.' It is commonly used to indicate the first position in a series or sequence, especially in terms of rank or order. This term plays a significant role in the construction of ordinal numbers, where it denotes the first in various contexts such as lists, ranks, or sequences, and also appears in time expressions where it signifies the first occurrence or point in time.
Quadragesimus: Quadragesimus is a Latin term meaning 'fortieth', used to denote the ordinal number that indicates position in a sequence. This term stems from the Latin root 'quadraginta', which means 'forty', and it forms part of the broader system of ordinal numbers that express rank or order.
Quartus: The term 'quartus' is a Latin ordinal number that translates to 'fourth' in English. This word is used to indicate the position of an item in a sequence, specifically the fourth element. It can be utilized in various contexts such as counting, ranking, and organizing, emphasizing the importance of order and sequence in language and communication.
Roman numeral system: The Roman numeral system is a numeral system that originated in ancient Rome, using combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to represent numbers. This system employs seven basic symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, which can be combined to form various values, making it essential for understanding numbers in historical texts and contexts.
Second declension: The second declension is a category of Latin nouns characterized by their specific endings and gender classification, predominantly masculine and neuter. This declension plays a crucial role in understanding noun forms and their functions in sentences, particularly when identifying subjects, objects, and possessive structures.
Secundus: Secundus is a Latin term meaning 'second' and is primarily used as an ordinal number. This term helps in understanding the order of items, people, or events, establishing a sequence and indicating position in relation to others. It is an important building block for forming various ordinal numbers and plays a significant role in expressing time-related sequences and events.
Sexto libro: The term 'sexto libro' translates to 'sixth book' in English and refers to the sixth section or volume of a larger work, often used in classical texts or literature. In the context of ordinal numbers, 'sexto' is the ordinal form of the numeral six, which indicates position in a sequential order. Understanding 'sexto libro' enhances comprehension of how Latin texts are structured, particularly when analyzing works that are divided into multiple books.
Tertia parte: The term 'tertia parte' translates to 'third part' in English and refers to the ordinal number that denotes the position of three in a sequence. This term is significant as it indicates the third element in a series or group, connecting it to the broader concept of ordinal numbers, which help to establish order and rank among items.
Tertium non datur: Tertium non datur is a principle in logic that translates to 'no third option is given,' indicating that in a binary proposition, only two contradictory options exist: either one is true, or the other is true. This concept emphasizes the exclusion of any middle ground between two opposing ideas, which is fundamental to understanding how certain arguments are structured and evaluated.
Tertius: The term 'tertius' translates to 'third' in English and is used to denote the ordinal position in a sequence. This word is integral to understanding how Latin expresses order, especially in numerals and time-related contexts, as it provides a framework for counting and describing sequences in various aspects of life.
Tricesimus: Tricesimus is the Latin word for 'thirtieth', representing the ordinal number that comes after twenty-ninth and before thirty-first. As an ordinal number, it indicates position or rank within a sequence, commonly used in various contexts such as dates, events, or lists. Understanding tricesimus helps to grasp how Latin numerals express order and sequence in both writing and speech.
Undecimus: Undecimus is a Latin term meaning 'eleventh' and is used as an ordinal number to denote position in a sequence. It plays a crucial role in understanding how numbers are structured in Latin, as ordinal numbers are essential for expressing rank, order, and hierarchy in various contexts.
Vicesimus: Vicesimus is the Latin word for 'twentieth' and is an ordinal number used to indicate position in a sequence. It belongs to the group of numerals that express rank or order, distinguishing itself by representing the number twenty. Understanding vicesimus helps in grasping how Romans structured their counting system, particularly in contexts like dates, lists, or organization of groups.