Getting started on Classical Latin

4.2 Parts of speech

In describing the grammar of written Latin, the best method is to use the traditional classical grammar, as worked out by the Greeks and Romans themselves. As a preliminary, it may be useful to learn the ‘parts of speech’ in English. A very brief explanation follows, and then a much fuller discussion.

Part of speech Explanation Latin derivation of the term
noun a naming word nomen, a name
pronoun a word used instead of a noun pro, instead of; nomen, a name
adjective a word added to a noun adicere, adiectum, to throw at, add
verb a ‘doing’ or ‘being’ word uerbum, a word
adverb a word added to a verb, adjective or another adverb ad, to; uerbum, a word
preposition a word placed before a noun or pronoun prae, in front of; ponere, positum, to place
conjunction a joining word Coniungo, coniunctum, to join