Breakdown of Nuntius imperatori verbum novum dicit.
imperator
the emperor
nuntius
the messenger
verbum
the word
novus
new
dicere
to tell
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Questions & Answers about Nuntius imperatori verbum novum dicit.
Why does the word imperator appear as imperatori in this sentence?
Because it is in the dative case, used for the indirect object—the emperor is the one to whom the message is being conveyed.
How do I know that verbum novum is the direct object?
Both verbum and novum are in the accusative case, which typically marks the direct object in Latin. The adjective novum agrees in gender, number, and case with verbum.
Which part of the sentence is the subject?
Nuntius is the subject. It is in the nominative case and denotes the person performing the action of speaking.
Why is it dicit rather than another form of the verb?
Dicit is the third-person singular present tense form of dīcere, meaning he/she/it says or tells. It matches the singular subject nuntius.
Is the word order Nuntius imperatori verbum novum dicit fixed?
No, Latin word order is relatively flexible because cases indicate a word’s function. However, this arrangement (subject – indirect object – direct object – verb) is common and clear in meaning.