Latin adverb and conjunction
nam
nam is a Latin adverb and conjunction. In the 3 analysed lines it was read in, it means “for”.
In the texts
Each line as the reader shows it: every word in its case colour with its meaning underneath, and arcs from nam to the words it goes with.
nam propter oraculum puerum timebat.
For because of the oracle, he was fearing the boy.
nam: tells how or when about timebat.
di, coeptis (nam vos mutastis et illas) adspirate meis primaque ab origine mundi ad mea perpetuum deducite tempora carmen.
Gods, favor my undertakings (for you also changed those things) and from the very beginning of the world lead a continuous song down to my times.
nam: tells how or when about mutastis.
Nam longissimo velut trunco elata in altum quibusdam ramis diffundebatur…
For it was spread out into the height like the trunk raised very high on certain branches; I think it was borne up by fresh breath, then, the breath failing, left unsupported or even overcome by its own weight it vanished in breadth, white at times, at other times dirty and stained, as it had lifted up earth or ash.
Nam: introduces the clause of diffundebatur.
Forms
Every form of the word in these texts, with what it is.
| Form | Grammar | Read |
|---|---|---|
| nam | Conjunction | 2 |
| nam | Adverb | 1 |