Learn Hardcore Latin: Imperator pacem multum amat, sed miles bellum non timet. - The emperor loves peace a lot, but the soldier does not fear war.

In Latin, the subject of the sentence is usually in the nominative case. Here, Imperator (meaning emperor) is the subject, so it appears in the nominative case to show it is performing the action of loving peace.

Why is pacem in the accusative case while bellum is also accusative, yet miles is nominative?

In Latin, the direct objects of verbs appear in the accusative case. Both pacem (peace) and bellum (war) are direct objects of the verbs amat (he loves) and timet (he fears), respectively. Meanwhile, miles (soldier) is the subject of the second clause, so it is in the nominative.

What is the function of multum in this sentence?

Multum here functions like an adverb meaning greatly or very much. So Imperator pacem multum amat can be understood as The emperor loves peace very much. It does not change to agree with pacem in gender or number because it is not being used as an adjective.

How does non (not) interact with timet?

Timet means he fears, so non timet simply means he does not fear. Typically, non immediately precedes the verb it negates, so bellum non timet reads literally as he does not fear war.

What does sed mean, and why is it used here?

Sed is a coordinating conjunction meaning but. It contrasts the first statement (The emperor loves peace) with the second statement (the soldier does not fear war), showing a difference in perspective or attitude between the emperor and the soldier.

Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io

Breakdown of Imperator pacem multum amat, sed miles bellum non timet.

Questions & Answers about Imperator pacem multum amat, sed miles bellum non timet.

You've reached your AI usage limit