I was taught that one can use the '-que' suffix to string together multiple words, in a similar way to putting 'et' between them.
Are these two equivalent? Did one have a connotation in classical (Caesar-era) Latin that the other didn't?
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Are "-que" and "et" equivalent?
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Both et and -que can often translate "and". The use of -que is more limited (see James's answer), so et is a safer choice.
The suffix -que only means "and", but et can also be used as an adverb ("also", "in addition"). Sometimes et and etiam are both equally valid. As a rule of thumb, you can use et whenever you want to add something. Sometimes etiam or quoque is better, though.
answered Feb 23 '16 at 21:21
Joonas Ilmavirta
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James Kingsbery's answer is exactly correct. If two things "belong" together, then -que is appropriate. If you were going shopping, you might be asked to pick up ova butyrumque ("eggs and butter"), but if you were talking about what you saw on your walk through the countryside you'd be more likely to talk about boves et rusticos ("cows and peasants").
answered Mar 18 '16 at 21:45
Joel Derfner
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Are "-que" and "et" equivalent?
up vote
14
down vote
I was taught that one can use the '-que' suffix to string together multiple words, in a similar way to putting 'et' between them.
Are these two equivalent? Did one have a connotation in classical (Caesar-era) Latin that the other didn't?
asked Feb 23 '16 at 18:13
Undo
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Both et and -que can often translate "and". The use of -que is more limited (see James's answer), so et is a safer choice.
The suffix -que only means "and", but et can also be used as an adverb ("also", "in addition"). Sometimes et and etiam are both equally valid. As a rule of thumb, you can use et whenever you want to add something. Sometimes etiam or quoque is better, though.
answered Feb 23 '16 at 21:21
Joonas Ilmavirta
43.2k1055249
43.2k1055249
@EthanBierlein That would actually make a very nice separate question! - Joonas Ilmavirta Oct 5 at 14:47
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