2.4 Fourth declension

The fourth declension in Latin is a crucial part of noun classification. It primarily includes masculine nouns ending in -us, with some feminine and neuter exceptions. Understanding its unique endings and gender patterns is essential for accurate translation.

Fourth declension nouns have stems ending in -u, which remains constant across cases and numbers. This declension features distinct case endings, such as the genitive singular -ūs and dative singular -uī. Recognizing these patterns helps in identifying and using fourth declension nouns correctly.

Overview of fourth declension

• Fourth declension forms a crucial part of Latin noun classification system
• Plays a significant role in understanding and translating Latin texts accurately
• Encompasses nouns with distinct endings and gender patterns

Characteristics of fourth declension

• Primarily consists of masculine nouns, with some feminine and neuter exceptions
• Features a characteristic -us ending in the nominative singular for masculine and feminine nouns
• Exhibits unique case endings that distinguish it from other declensions

Stem ending in -u

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• Fourth declension nouns have stems ending in -u
• This -u stem remains constant throughout all cases and numbers
• Influences the formation of case endings in both singular and plural forms

Gender distribution

• Predominantly masculine nouns (senatus, exercitus)
• Some feminine nouns (manus, domus)
• Limited number of neuter nouns (cornu, genu)
• Gender often correlates with the noun's meaning or category

Nominative singular endings

• Nominative case identifies the subject of a sentence
• Varies based on the gender of the noun

Masculine and feminine nouns

• End in -us (portus, harbor)
• Identical to nominative singular of second declension nouns
• Can lead to confusion for beginners learning Latin declensions

Neuter nouns

• End in -u (cornu, horn)
• Unique ending distinguishes neuter fourth declension nouns
• Always identical to accusative singular for neuter nouns

Genitive singular ending

• Genitive case indicates possession or association
• All genders in fourth declension share the same genitive singular ending
• Ends in -ūs (long u) for all nouns (portūs, of the harbor)
• Differs from second declension genitive singular (-ī)

Dative singular ending

• Dative case indicates the indirect object or recipient
• Fourth declension dative singular ends in -uī for all genders
• Pronounced as two syllables (por-tu-ī)
• Can be confused with dative singular of third declension i-stem nouns

Accusative singular endings

• Accusative case marks the direct object of a verb
• Endings differ based on gender

Masculine and feminine nouns

• End in -um (portum, harbor)
• Similar to accusative singular of second declension nouns
• Often confused with second declension due to this similarity

Neuter nouns

• End in -ū (cornū, horn)
• Identical to nominative singular for neuter nouns
• Follows the general rule for neuter nouns across all declensions

Ablative singular ending

• Ablative case has various uses, including means, manner, and separation
• All genders in fourth declension share the same ablative singular ending
• Ends in -ū (long u) for all nouns (portū, by/with/from the harbor)
• Can be confused with ablative singular of second declension (-ō)

Nominative plural endings

• Nominative plural identifies multiple subjects in a sentence
• Endings vary based on gender

Masculine and feminine nouns

• End in -ūs (portūs, harbors)
• Identical to nominative singular and genitive singular
• Can lead to ambiguity in translation without context

Neuter nouns

• End in -ua (cornua, horns)
• Follows the general pattern for neuter nouns in Latin
• Always identical to accusative plural for neuter nouns

Genitive plural ending

• Genitive plural indicates possession or association for multiple nouns
• All genders in fourth declension share the same genitive plural ending
• Ends in -uum for all nouns (portuum, of the harbors)
• Pronounced as two syllables (por-tu-um)

Dative plural ending

• Dative plural indicates indirect objects or recipients for multiple nouns
• Fourth declension dative plural ends in -ibus for all genders
• Identical to ablative plural ending
• Similar to dative plural of third declension nouns

Accusative plural endings

• Accusative plural marks multiple direct objects of a verb
• Endings differ based on gender

Masculine and feminine nouns

• End in -ūs (portūs, harbors)
• Identical to nominative plural for masculine and feminine nouns
• Can cause confusion in translation without proper context

Neuter nouns

• End in -ua (cornua, horns)
• Identical to nominative plural for neuter nouns
• Follows the general rule for neuter nouns across all declensions

Ablative plural ending

• Ablative plural has various uses for multiple nouns, including means, manner, and separation
• All genders in fourth declension share the same ablative plural ending
• Ends in -ibus for all nouns (portibus, by/with/from the harbors)
• Identical to dative plural ending

Common fourth declension nouns

• Senatus (senate)
• Exercitus (army)
• Manus (hand)
• Domus (house)
• Currus (chariot)
• Includes many abstract nouns and verbal nouns derived from supines

Exceptions and irregularities

• Some fourth declension nouns have unique forms or alternative declensions
• Understanding these exceptions aids in accurate translation and comprehension

Domus and its declension

• Domus (house) follows a mixed declension pattern
• Uses both fourth and second declension endings
• Ablative singular can be domū (4th) or domō (2nd)
• Genitive singular can be domūs (4th) or domī (2nd)

Nouns with alternative forms

• Some nouns have both fourth and second declension forms (senatus/senati)
• Certain nouns may use different declensions in singular and plural
• Arcus (bow) uses fourth declension in singular, second in plural

Fourth declension vs other declensions

• Understanding differences helps in proper identification and translation
• Similarities can lead to confusion for Latin learners

Fourth vs second declension

• Both have nominative singular in -us for masculine nouns
• Genitive singular differs: -ūs (4th) vs -ī (2nd)
• Dative and ablative plural differ: -ibus (4th) vs -īs (2nd)

Fourth vs third declension

• Some similarities in plural endings (dative and ablative -ibus)
• Third declension has more varied nominative singular endings
• Genitive plural differs: -uum (4th) vs -um/-ium (3rd)

Usage in Latin literature

• Fourth declension nouns appear frequently in various genres of Latin literature
• Often used for abstract concepts, institutions, and certain body parts
• Prevalent in political and military contexts (senatus, exercitus)

Exercises and practice

• Declension tables for common fourth declension nouns
• Translation exercises focusing on fourth declension usage
• Identification of fourth declension nouns in Latin passages
• Comparison exercises with other declensions to reinforce differences