Verbum Hodiernum: ERGO

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ERGO Dictionary Entry

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Today's word is ERGO, a Latin adverb which is sometimes used in English, too!

When used on its own in Latin, ergo means "therefore, consequently, so." It is often, but not always, used in second position in the sentence or clause. It can even be used in questions: cur ergo hoc facis, "so why do you do this?"

It is also used following a genitive, meaning as a consequence of something, as in the phrase victoriae ergo, "as a consequence of the victory."

Here are some examples of today's word in Latin sayings and proverbs; for more information, see the page at the Scala Sapientiae, which contains notes on some of the proverbs cited below:

Post hoc, ergo propter hoc.

Bibo, ergo sum.

Sum, ergo bibo; bibo, ergo sum.

Edo, ergo sum.

Sum, ergo edo.

Cogito, ergo sum.

Rideo, ergo sum.

Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur.

Populus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur.

Dubito, ergo sum, vel, quod idem est, cogito, ergo sum.

Fumus, ergo ignis.

Nolite ergo solliciti esse in crastinum.

Estote ergo prudentes sicut serpentes, et simplices sicut columbae.

Paulatim, ergo certe.

Propter frigus piger arare noluit; mendicabit ergo aestate.

Scit connivere Deus, ergo Deum reverere.

Otia dant vitia, fugias ergo procul illa.