Conicimus

Conicimus is a Latin verb form that translates to “we throw” or “we cast” in English. It is the first-person plural present active indicative of the verb conicere (also found as conicio), meaning to throw, cast, or hurl. In classical Latin, conicio belongs to the so-called -io class of verbs, a subset of the third conjugation characterized by the present tense forms that include -io in the first person singular and related endings.

Morphology and usage: The present active indicative forms of conicio include conico, conicis, conicit, conicimus, conicitis, and coniciunt. The base stem for the present tense is conici-, and conicimus specifically provides the “we throw” form. The verb takes a direct object in the accusative when specifying what is thrown, for example lapides (stones): lapides conicimus = we throw stones. It can also appear with directional or purpose expressions, such as lapides conicimus ad hostes (we throw stones at/at the enemies) or sortem conicimus (we cast a lot).

Etymology and scope: Conicio originates from con-, a prefix emphasizing together or thoroughly, combined with the root related to iacere (to throw). The sense broadens from physical throwing to figurative uses, such as casting lots or introducing an argument into discussion. This versatility makes conicimus common in Latin prose and poetry when describing actions that involve throwing or casting in a literal or figurative sense.

See also: conicere, conicio, Latin -io verbs, casting lots in Latin literature.