Latin adverbs

Classification and formation

Latin adverbs are divided into two main groups. The first consists of independent words that originally exist in the language in this exact form. Clear examples frequently encountered in texts are saepe (often) or statim (immediately).

The second group comprises derived adverbs. They are formed from adjective stems according to strict rules depending on the declension of the source word:

• From 1st–2nd declension adjectives. To form an adverb, add the suffix -e to the stem. For example, take the adjective asepticus, a, um (aseptic). Drop the ending, add the suffix, and you get the adverb aseptice — aseptically (i.e., under aseptic conditions).
• From 3rd declension adjectives. The suffix -iter is used here. From the word sterilis, e (sterile) we form the adverb steriliter — sterilely.
• From adjectives ending in -ns. In this case, the short suffix -er is used. The adjective recens, ntis (fresh) turns into the adverb recenter — freshly.

Special usage forms

A special suffix is not always required to form an adverb. In Latin, certain case forms of some adjectives often function as adverbs. This is a historically established practice.

Most often, an adjective in the form of the neuter accusative singular assumes the role of an adverb.

• From multus, a, um comes multum (much).
• From facilis, e comes facile (easily).

Another option is the use of the ablative form with the ending -o. This is how the well-known medical adverb cito (quickly, soon) originated from the adjective citus, a, um (fast).

Degrees of comparison

Like adjectives, Latin adverbs can form degrees of comparison to show the intensity of a feature or action.

1. Comparative degree. It is simple: the neuter form of the adjective in the comparative degree is used. For example, to say "faster", we use the word citius.
2. Superlative degree. It is built from the superlative stem of the adjective itself, to which the standard "adverbial" suffix -e is attached. Thus, "fastest" in Latin is citissime.

Adverbs and expressions in prescriptions

In prescription practice, adverbs play a critically important role, especially when it comes to a patient's life and the need for urgent dispensing of medication by the pharmacy. A physician always writes such notes at the top of the prescription blank:

• Cito! — Quickly!
• Statim! — Immediately! At once!

In addition to classical adverbs, specific expressions and abbreviations are used when writing prescriptions:

• Prescribing equal doses. If two or more ingredients follow one another and their masses are identical, the dose is written only once after the last component. The Greek word ana (abbreviated in prescriptions as $\overline{aa}$) — equally — is placed before the number.
• Prescribing suppositories. In an expanded method of prescription, the amount of the base (e.g., cocoa butter) can be indicated by an exact figure in grams. However, the expression quantum satis — "as much as needed" — is more commonly used. In this case, the pharmacist calculates the mass of the base independently to form the suppository.

Class and exam questions

What else to study on this topic

• Declension of Latin 1st–2nd and 3rd group adjectives
• Rules for forming adjective degrees of comparison
• Accusative and ablative cases: functions and endings
• Expanded and semi-short methods of prescribing suppositories

Other topics in the section "Numerals. Adverbs. Pronouns"

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