De lingua Latina

treatise by Varro

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De lingua Latina ("On the Latin Language") is a treatise by Marcus Terentius Varro, a prominent Roman scholar of the 1st century BCE. This work, originally in 25 books, survives only partially, with books V through X remaining, albeit with gaps.1

The treatise delves into the etymology and grammar of the Latin language, offering insights into its structure and vocabulary. Beyond linguistic analysis, De lingua Latina also serves as a valuable source of incidental information on various subjects, reflecting Varro's extensive learning. It is noted for its prescriptive tone regarding spelling and usage, contributing to the development of a Roman consciousness about proper language.12

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Marcus Terentius Varro
Dedicated to Cicero, Varro’s De lingua Latina (“On the Latin Language”) is of interest not only as a linguistic work but also as a source of valuable incidental information on a variety of subjects. Of the original 25 books there remain, apart from brief fragments, only books v to…
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Dedicated to Cicero, Varro’s De lingua Latina (“On the Latin Language”) is of interest not only as a linguistic work but also as a source of valuable incidental information on a variety of subjects. Of the original 25 books there remain, apart from brief fragments, only books v to…
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textual criticism
Books transmitted in manuscript
, Varro, De Lingua Latina) or an edition printed directly from a copy now lost (e.g., the work of the Roman historian Velleius Paterculus); or a text may be transmitted in scores of copies whose interrelationships cannot be exactly determined (e.g., Claudian, De raptu Proserpinae). (2) The…
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, Varro, De Lingua Latina) or an edition printed directly from a copy now lost (e.g., the work of the Roman historian Velleius Paterculus); or a text may be transmitted in scores of copies whose interrelationships cannot be exactly determined (e.g., Claudian, De raptu Proserpinae). (2) The…
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dictionary
From Classical times to 1604
…Terentius Varro wrote the treatise De lingua Latina; the extant books of its section of etymology are valuable for their citations from Latin poets. At least five medieval Scholastics—Papias the Lombard, Alexander Neckam, Johannes de Garlandia (John Garland), Hugo of Pisa, and Giovanni Balbi of Genoa—turned their attention to dictionaries.…
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…Terentius Varro wrote the treatise De lingua Latina; the extant books of its section of etymology are valuable for their citations from Latin poets. At least five medieval Scholastics—Papias the Lombard, Alexander Neckam, Johannes de Garlandia (John Garland), Hugo of Pisa, and Giovanni Balbi of Genoa—turned their attention to dictionaries.…
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