Latin Words Related To “Six”: Semantic Analysis

“Six in Latin” analyzes Latin words related to the number six based on their “closeness score,” a measure of their semantic proximity to the concept of “six.” It discusses:

• Numerals Close to Perfect Six: Words with closeness scores 9-10, like “sex” and “sextus.”
• Distributive Numerals in the Middle: Words like “seni” with scores 8-10, indicating distribution or division of six.
• Multiplicative Numerals Falling Short: Words like “sextuplus” almost reaching a score of 10, but not quite there.
• Adverbs of Frequency on the Lower End: Words like “sexiens” with scores below 10, describing events occurring six times.

Numerals Close to the Coveted Closeness Score of 10

In the realm of linguistics, there’s a little-known metric that governs the intimacy a word has with the number six: the Closeness Score. And, ladies and gentlemen, we’re about to dive into the tantalizing world of numerals that flirted oh-so-closely with that coveted score of 10.

The Almost-Perfect Pair: Sex and Sextus

Leading the charge are two Latin numerals that come within a hair’s breadth of achieving the ultimate closeness score: sex (meaning “six”) and sextus (meaning “sixth”). With a score of 9, these numerals tantalizingly whisper, “We’re so close, we can almost taste it!”

The Distributive Dilemma: Seni’s Middle Ground

Next up is seni, a Latin distributive numeral. Now, distributive numerals are like the shy kids in class who prefer to hang out in the middle. Seni, with a closeness score of 8, is the epitome of this: not too bold, not too bashful. It’s like the Goldilocks of numerals, finding its perfect balance in the middle ground.

Multiplicative Misfires: Sextuplus Gets Close But No Cigar

Multiplicative numerals, on the other hand, are like boisterous extroverts, eager to multiply everything in sight. But even the most enthusiastic among them, sextuplus (“sixfold”), falls short of the 10 mark, earning a respectable but not-quite-perfect score of 7. Poor sextuplus, so close yet so far!

Distributive Numerals: The Middle Ground of Closeness

When it comes to distributive numerals, the ones that tell us how many things are divided among several groups, there’s a sweet spot in the middle. These numerals hover around a closeness score of 8 to 10, striking a balance between being close to the action and not quite as intense as their higher-scoring counterparts.

One such numeral is “seni“, meaning “six each”. Imagine a baker who’s doling out delicious muffins to a group of friends. With “seni,” each hungry soul gets six delectable treats, ensuring equal distribution of the muffin-y goodness.

Another distributive numeral in this happy medium is “septeni“, translating to “seven each”. Picture this: a group of thirsty travelers sharing a refreshing oasis. With “septeni,” each person gets seven gulps of life-giving water, quenching their thirst and fostering camaraderie.

These distributive numerals may not have the same pizzazz as their high-scoring peers, but they play a crucial role in describing the equitable distribution of all sorts of things. From muffins to water to any other divisible item, they ensure that everyone gets their fair share.

Multiplicative Numerals: Almost There But Not Quite

When it comes to Latin numerals, closeness score measures how close a word is to “sex,” which means “six.” “Sextus,” meaning “sixth,” scores a perfect 10, but some numerals come tantalizingly close.

Enter Multiplicative Numerals

Multiplicative numerals describe how many times something is multiplied. Take “sextuplus,” for example. It means “six times plus,” and its closeness score is a respectable 9. It’s like being a contestant on a dating show, just one step away from winning the heart of “sex.”

Why the Shortfall?

So why didn’t “sextuplus” make the cut? It’s all about the pesky plus sign. The “plus” adds a bit of extra meaning, which slightly dilutes the closeness to “sex.” It’s like adding a “just friends” caveat to a potential romance.

While “sextuplus” may not score a perfect 10, it’s still a strong contender in the Latin numeral dating game. It’s a reminder that even those who don’t quite make the top spot can still impress with their charm and proximity to the coveted “sex.”

Adverbs of Frequency: Falling Below the Threshold

So, you’re curious about Latin words that dance around the idea of “frequency”, huh? Well, let’s venture into the realm of adverbs of frequency and see what treasures await us!

There might not be an exact match for words like “often,” “sometimes,” or “rarely”, but don’t despair! Our Latin ancestors had a knack for expressing these concepts in unique ways. Remember that “closeness score” we mentioned earlier? Well, adverbs of frequency tend to score below 10 on this scale.

One word that tickles our fancy is “sexiens”. It’s like the cheeky cousin of “sex,” but with a subtle difference. While “sex” means “six”, “sexiens” tells us something happens “six times”. Imagine a mischievous fox sneaking into a henhouse and making off with “sexiens ova” (six eggs)!

“Nonies”, on the other hand, is a more serious word that conveys “nine times”. It’s like “sexiens” on steroids! Picture a determined athlete running “nonies laps” around a track, their resolve unwavering.

And then there’s “decies”, which means “ten times”. It’s a word that exudes an air of grandiosity. Imagine a king hosting a “decies convivium” (a feast held ten times over)!

So, while adverbs of frequency in Latin might not be as common as in English, they’re certainly not lacking in character. They offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Latin language, where even the most mundane concepts can be expressed with a touch of flair.