Praecipiet

Praecipiet is a Latin verb form. It is the third-person singular future indicative active of the verb praecipio, meaning to command, instruct, or order. The form appears in classical and post-classical Latin to indicate that the subject will issue a directive or give an instruction.

Etymology and meaning. The verb praecipio is built from the prefix prae- “before” plus capio “to seize, take,” giving a sense of taking action beforehand. In usage, praecipio covers senses such as to order someone to do something, to instruct, or to forewarn. The related noun praecipium or praeceptum carries the idea of a precept, instruction, or rule, reflecting the close connection between directive language and its noun form.

Grammar and related forms. Praecipiet is part of the -io verbs and follows the future endings of this class, yielding “he/she/it will order/instruct.” The principal parts most often cited for praecipio are praecipio, praecepi, praeceptum, with the exact forms varying slightly by historically attested tradition. In context, praecipiet is often found in clauses reporting direct or indirect speech, or in legal and military prose where commands are described.

Usage and related terms. The word is closely linked to precepts and instruction in both Latin literature and its descendants. The English noun precept derives from Latin praecipitum, reflecting the same root meaning instruction or rule. Related Latin forms include praecipere (to order beforehand) and praecipitus, the latter appearing in some compounds.

See also: praecipio, praecipere, praeceptum, precept.