Malum inter filium et filiam dividendum est.

to be

Breakdown of Malum inter filium et filiam dividendum est.

• et: and
• malum: the apple
• filius: the son

Questions & Answers about Malum inter filium et filiam dividendum est.

What does dividendum est mean grammatically?

Dividendum est is a very common Latin way to express necessity or obligation.

• dividendum is a gerundive of dividere = to divide
• est = is

Together, dividendum est means something like:

• must be divided
• is to be divided
• has to be divided

So this is not just saying that the apple is being divided. It says that the apple ought to be divided or needs to be divided.

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Why is dividendum neuter singular?

Because it agrees with malum.

• malum is neuter singular
• the gerundive dividendum must match it in gender, number, and case

So:

• malum = neuter singular nominative
• dividendum = neuter singular nominative

This agreement is exactly like an adjective agreeing with a noun.

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Why is malum in the nominative case?