In rebus asperis, constantia plus valet quam timor.

In difficult circumstances, steadfastness is worth more than fear.

Breakdown of In rebus asperis, constantia plus valet quam timor.

• in: in
• quam: than
• timor: the fear
• plus: more

Questions & Answers about In rebus asperis, constantia plus valet quam timor.

What does in rebus asperis mean literally?

Literally, it means in harsh things or in rough matters.

But Latin res is a very broad word. It can mean thing, matter, affair, or situation. So in a sentence like this, rebus is best understood as circumstances or situations.

That is why in rebus asperis means something like in difficult circumstances, in hard times, or in adversity.

Why does in take the ablative here?

Because in with the ablative usually means in, on, or under in the sense of location or situation, not movement.

Here the sentence is describing the situation in which the statement is true: when circumstances are difficult.

So:

• in + ablative = position, setting, circumstance
• in + accusative = motion into something

Since there is no idea of motion here, Latin uses the ablative: in rebus asperis.

Why are rebus and asperis both plural?

They are plural because Latin often uses the plural with res where English might use a singular idea like adversity or difficulty.