Advertere

Advertere is a Latin verb meaning to turn toward, to direct one’s attention to, or to apply to a matter. It can denote turning a physical gaze as well as directing thought, effort, or resources toward something. The verb is transitive and belongs to the third conjugation. The standard principal parts are adverto, advertere, adversi, adversum. In the present active indicative the forms are adverto, adverteris, advertit, advertimus, advertitis, advertunt. The infinitive is advertere, and the imperative forms are adverte (singular) and advertite (plural).

Etymology: advertere is formed from the prefix ad- “toward” and vertere “to turn,” reflecting the basic sense of turning attention or effort toward a target.

Usage: advertere can be used for both literal and figurative turning toward something. Common collocations include advertere oculos “to turn one’s eyes toward (something)” and advertere mentem ad rem “to direct one’s mind to the matter.” It may also mean to apply one’s attention or resources to a task, or to heed or consider a point.

English influence: the English verb advert (to refer to or notice) and related forms derive from the same Latin root, though such uses are now relatively archaic or formal in English.

See also: vertere, ad-, Latin verbs of the third conjugation, linguistic roots of attentiveness and direction.