Latin Word

by Anonymous

Dear Latin Teacher,

What are the Latin words for New Beginnings?

Thanks.


Dear Anonymous,

The simplest Latin transalation for new beginnings is incepta nova. It means new undertakings, new things taken up or attempted.

While I cannot find that exact Latin phrase in literature, both Ovid and Vergil use the word incepta to mean beginnings or undertakings:

Ovid, Ars Amatoria, 3.2.56:

inceptis annue, diva, meis

Nod, o goddess, to my beginnings

Vergil, Aeneid 7.259:

di nostra incepta secundent

May the gods favor our beginnings

Caveat: incepta nova is neuter plural. One new beginning is inceptum novum.

Hope this helps, and thanks for asking a Latin teacher.

Sincerely,

John

P.S. This Q&A blog is powered by Content 2.0 from Site Build It!



See more Latin Roots

Return to Vocabulary Lesson Plans