iusto

iusto is a Latin inflected form of the adjective iustus, which means just, fair, or lawful. The base word iustus derives from ius, meaning law or right, and it has a broad presence in classical and medieval Latin to describe conformity with law, morality, or righteousness.

In Latin grammar, iustus is declined to agree with nouns in gender, number, and case. iusto appears as the dative singular for masculine and neuter nouns and as the ablative singular for masculine and neuter nouns. The feminine dative/ablative singular form is iusta. The full set of endings in the singular runs: masculine iustus, feminine iusta, neuter iustum (nominative) with corresponding dative/ablative forms like iusto and iusta; the exact endings vary by gender and case. This means iusto is a common form encountered in Latin sentences where the idea of “to/for the just” or “by/with the just” must be expressed.

Usage of iustus and its inflections spans legal, ethical, religious, and philosophical contexts in Latin literature. It contributes to a family of terms centered on law and justice, including iustitia (justice) and iuris (law). In translation, iusto often functions within phrases that qualify nouns as just, rightful, or appropriate, reflecting the broader semantic field of fairness and legitimacy in Latin thought.

See also: iustus, iustitia, iuris, jus.