Haec

Haec is a Latin demonstrative pronoun and adjective meaning "this" or "these." It is the feminine form in the hic–haec–hoc family and is used with feminine nouns or as a feminine demonstrative pronoun. The masculine form is hic and the neuter form is hoc; haec can function as both a modifier directly before a noun (haec res, haec puella) and as a substantive pronoun when the noun is understood (haec, “these [things]”).

In Latin, haec inflects for case and number to agree with its noun, just like other demonstratives. It can appear in attributive position, agreeing with a feminine noun, or as a pronoun standing in for a feminine noun mentioned earlier. Its use typically signals reference to something near the speaker or to something previously noted in the discourse.

Haec is attested across classical Latin and continued in medieval and later Latin, where it remains a standard part of the demonstrative system. It is commonly encountered in texts of Caesar, Cicero, and other authors, as well as in educational grammars that illustrate Latin demonstratives.

Example usage includes phrases such as Haec puella venit (This girl comes) or Haec res est gravis (This matter is serious), illustrating its function as a feminine modifier and, when appropriate, as a stand-alone reference to a feminine noun.

See also: Latin grammar; demonstratives; hic; hoc.