Laudandus

Laudandus is a Latin term that functions as a gerundive form of the verb laudare, meaning to praise. In grammar, laudandus is the masculine nominative singular form and can be used adjectivally to mean “to be praised” or “worthy of praise.” It can also be used as a substantive, referring to a person or thing that is to be praised.

Etymology and morphology: The word is built from laudare plus the suffix -ndus, which marks the gerundive. As a gerundive, laudandus agrees with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case, yielding masculine laudandus, feminine laudanda, and neuter laudandum in the nominative singular, among other forms. It expresses obligation or expectation when combined with verbs such as esse, or can simply attribute the quality of being praiseworthy to the noun it modifies.

Usage: Laudandus conveys a sense of normative value or necessity. With est or esse implied, it can express that someone or something ought to be praised. For example: Miles laudandus est (The soldier is to be praised). Virtus laudanda est (Virtue is to be praised). In some contexts, laudandus may also appear as a substantive phrase meaning “the one to be praised,” especially when the emphasis is on the person or thing deserving praise rather than the act itself.

Translational notes: The gerundive captures both a qualitative judgment and a sense of obligation, depending on syntax. In English, it is commonly rendered as “to be praised” or “worthy of praise,” and sometimes as “praiseworthy.”