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Etymology (Meaning of Words)/I fly
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Question
I know what you mean about the lose of etiquette in this fast paced world. I am a dental technician. I make smiles for people. I only hear back if a patient is unhappy with the results. I am also an artist. I am painting a picture of a blue heron rising out of the water. I would love to title the piece whatever the Latin term for "I fly" is. Will you help me?
Marianne:
The Latin word [the infinitive] for "to fly" is "volare."
The first person, singular is "Volo."
[There is another Latin word for "fly," which is "fugio," but that means to "fly from" as in "to flee or to escape." I don't think you want that one!]
My information comes from two sources: The Perseus Project at Tufts University and "The Oxford Book of Latin Grammar."
The latter notes that our words "volley" and "volleyball" are derived from "volare" and "volo."
If you want "to fly," use "Volare."
If you want "I fly," use "Volo."
Ted Nesbitt
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you Ted. I saw a similar answer just last night in a Mental Floss magazine. It stated that "fugio" is Latin for "I fly". After reading your information, I will title my painting "Volo". Thank you so much for your time. Marianne | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Ted Nesbitt
Expertise
I have an interest in the meanings of words and phrases, as well as how and when they became part of the English language. I enjoy researching idioms, colloquialisms, dialects, and obscurities of all kinds. I prefer short questions on a particular subject, and I will not accept lengthy research projects or term papers. NOTE: ALLEXPERTS CLAIMS THAT I TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LATIN AND FROM LATIN TO ENGLISH. I DO NOT. ALLEXPERTS REFUSES TO DELETE THE LATIN-TO-ENGLISH SERVICE -- ONE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE. TRUST ME ON THIS: ALLEXPERTS IS WRONG. I DO NOT TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LANGUAGE. LOOK FOR A LANGUAGE EXPERT INSTEAD. ETYMOLOGY AND TRANSLATING SERVICES ARE ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. ALLEXPERTS SHOULD KNOW THAT. ALLEXPERTS DOES NOT KNOW THAT. I HAVE TRIED FOR MANY YEARS TO GET THEM TO CHANGE. THEY WILL NOT. SORRY, BUT I DO NOT TRANSLATE FROM ENGLISH TO LATIN.
Experience
I am the bibliographic instruction and reference librarian at a public
college. My master's thesis concerns William Faulkner's tragic novels. I formerly taught advanced placement English at two schools in the Philadelphia area.
I have been a member of the grammar and writing section of Allexperts
for more than a year.
Education/Credentials
Masters degrees in English, philosophy, and library science.
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