atque

Atque is a Latin conjunction meaning "and" or "and also." It is used to connect words, phrases, or clauses and tends to convey a slightly stronger or more formal sense than the basic et. The form is generally treated as a fused compound, commonly described as a combination of at (but) and que (and); some grammarians note a parallel origin from ac + que, with assimilation shaping the final form.

Etymology and position in Latin grammar: atque is a single, independent conjunction rather than a simple affix. It functions to coordinate elements within a sentence and does not change for case, number, or gender. In classical usage it can replace et to add emphasis or continuity between the connected items or clauses.

Usage and examples: atque can link nouns (vir atque mulier, a man and a woman), adjectives or phrases (bonus atque fidelis, good and faithful), or entire clauses (Caesar venit, atque hostes fugerunt, Caesar came, and the enemies fled). It is often employed in more formal or elevated prose and poetry, where a stronger sense of sequence or accumulation is desired. A well-known example is veni, vidi, atque vici, illustrating how atque can join a trio of related ideas.

See also: et, ac, -que as a suffix. In translating, atque is usually rendered as "and" or "and also," with a nuance of continuation or emphasis depending on context.