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Glite Dictionary
Low Latin

Low Latin

9.9
Forms of Latin used after the ancient period, especially in the Middle Ages
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : latín bajo
  • Medieval scholars composed their treatises in Low Latin, which often varied from ancient forms.

Examples

  • Understanding documents written in Low Latin requires familiarity with its unique vocabulary and grammar.

  • The influence of local languages contributed to the development of Low Latin.

  • The text was written in Low Latin.

  • Many scholars study Low Latin for historical context.

  • Medieval scholars composed their treatises in Low Latin, which often varied from ancient forms.

  • Understanding documents written in Low Latin requires familiarity with its unique vocabulary and grammar.

  • The influence of local languages contributed to the development of Low Latin.

Synonyms

Medieval Latin
vsLow Latin
1 9.9

A form of Latin used in Europe for writing, study and church work in the Middle Ages

is broader, covering any post-classical form of the language rather than only medieval use

Surface Forms

Low Latin singular
Low Latins plural

Morphology

low + Latin

The adjective 'low' can suggest something non-standard or of lower prestige, so a learner might infer that 'Low Latin' means a less classical or non-standard variety of Latin. However, the precise historical/chronological sense (post-classical, medieval usage) and technical scholarly use are specialized and not fully predictable from the constituents alone, making the phrase partially but not fully transparent.

Etymology

Low Latin may come from a simple idea: people compared old, formal Latin ('high') with the later, everyday language they called 'low'. So Low Latin means the non-classical Latin used after ancient Rome, often changed by local languages.