augmentum

Augmentum is a Latin noun meaning an increase, growth, or augmentation. It derives from the verb augere, “to increase,” and is formed with the noun suffix -mentum. In classical and later Latin, augmentum is used to denote the result of increasing something as well as the act of adding or reinforcing within a process.

In classical texts, augmentum appears in diverse contexts such as economics, military affairs, and rhetoric, where it refers to rises in quantities, wealth, manpower, or influence, as well as to the enhancement of defenses or revenues. In philosophical, legal, and scholastic writings, the term can express the concept of growth or progression within a system. Medieval and early modern Latin authors continued to employ augmentum in discussions of supplementary measures, rights, or obligations.

Declension and form: augmentum belongs to the second declension and is neuter in gender. Typical forms include nominative singular augmentum, genitive singular augmenti, dative singular augmento, accusative singular augmentum, ablative singular augmento; and nominative plural augmenta, accusative plural augmenta, genitive plural augmentorum, with the remaining cases following standard neuter plural endings.

Modern usage and influence: today, augmentum is mainly of interest in Latin philology and the study of historical texts. The English word augmentation and other related terms trace their etymology to the same Latin root augmentum, illustrating the lasting influence of this concept of increase across languages.