Supine
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The supine is a verbal noun: a form of the verb that acts like a noun.
- The supine exists in only two cases: the accusative (-um), and the ablative (-u).
- The supine is formed from the fourth principle part of the verb. Some Latin texts even assert that the fourth principle part is properly the supine. Thus, the supine of amo is amatum (accusative) and amatu (ablative).
- The accusative of the supine generally follows a verb of motion to express purpose (intent or design).
Venatores ducere canes venatum. Hunters take dogs to hunt.
- The ablative of the supine expresses point of view like an "ablative of point of view from which," and it usually depends on an adjective.
mirabile visu wonderful to see
horribile dictu horrible to tell
- The accusative of the supine and the present passive infinitive of eo, ire are used to form the future passive infinitive.
amatum iri to be about to be loved
regendum iri to be about to be ruled
Note: deponent verbs do not have a future passive infinitive.
renovata Idibus Juliis MMDCCLV A.U.C. (ab urbe condita)
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