Predicativus

Predicativus is a Latin grammatical term that refers to a noun or pronoun that functions as the subject complement, providing additional information about the subject of a sentence. It is often used to describe the subject's identity, state, or quality. Predicativus is typically found in the nominative case and follows a linking verb such as "to be" (sum, es, est, etc.) or other verbs that express a state of being.

For example, in the sentence "Marcus est sapiens" (Marcus is wise), "sapiens" is the predicativus. It describes the state or quality of the subject "Marcus." Predicativus can also be used with adjectives and participles to provide similar information. For instance, in "Puer est pulcher" (The boy is beautiful), "pulcher" is the predicativus.

In English, the concept of predicativus is less explicit due to the language's syntax and verb forms. However, it can be seen in constructions where a noun or adjective follows a form of "to be" or another linking verb, such as "He is a doctor" or "She is happy." Understanding predicativus is essential for grasping the structure and function of Latin sentences, as it helps to identify the subject's complement and its role in the sentence.