Ad astra

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Ad astra is a Latin phrase meaning "to the stars". The phrase has origins with Virgil, who wrote in his Aeneid : "sic itur ad astra" ('thus one journeys to the stars') [1] and "opta ardua pennis astra sequi" ('desire to pursue the high[/hard to reach] stars on wings'). [2] Another origin is Seneca the Younger, who wrote in Hercules : "non est ad astra mollis e terris via" ('there is no easy way from the earth to the stars'). [3]

Contents

Etymology

Ad is a Latin preposition expressing direction toward in space or time (e.g. ad nauseam , ad infinitum , ad hoc , ad libidem , ad valorem , ad hominem ). It is also used as a prefix in Latin word formation. [4]

Astra is the accusative plural form of the Latin word astrum 'star' (from Ancient Greek ἄστρον astron 'star', from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ster-). [5]

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References

  1. Virgil, Aeneid IX 641. Spoken by Apollo to Aeneas's young son Iulus.
  2. Virgil, Aenied XII 892–93. Spoken by Aeneas to his foe, Turnus, in their combat.
  3. Seneca the Younger, Hercules Furens 437. Spoken by Megara, Hercules' wife.
  4. Harper, Douglas. "ad". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  5. Harper, Douglas. "astra". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 24 July 2019.