Deponent Verb Intro


In this lesson you will learn about a small but important group of verbs called deponent verbs. These verbs will have passive endings, but translate as active verbs. Their name “deponent” actually comes from the Latin depono, deponere which means “to lay aside” because these verbs have laid aside their active meanings. To tackle deponents, the most important thing to do is to become so familiar with what verbs are in this special group that, when you see the verb in a sentence, a red flag goes off “this is deponent!” and reminds you not to translate the verb passively, even though it has a passive ending. It sounds complicated now, but that is only because the concept is new to you. After this lesson, you will feel like a pro!


