neglegebat

Neglegebat is a Latin verb form meaning “he/she/it neglected” or “was neglecting.” It is the imperfect active indicative of neglegere, a verb meaning to neglect or disregard. The standard principal parts are neglego, neglegere, neglexi, neglectum, and neglegebat is formed from the present stem negleg- with the imperfect endings of the third conjugation.

As a member of the third conjugation, neglegere follows the typical present tense pattern: neglego, neglegis, neglegit, neglegimus, neglegitis, neglegunt. In the imperfect, it uses the -ba- construction: neglegebam, neglegebas, neglegebat, neglegebamus, neglegebatis, neglegebant. The form neglegebat specifically corresponds to the third person singular, past imperfect tense.

Usage in Latin literature is to describe ongoing neglect in the past, often with a direct object specifying what was neglected, for example: Marcus neglegebat officium suum, “Marcus was neglecting his duty.” The verb can take a wide range of objects, including duties, duties, belongings, or attentions, depending on context.

Related forms include neglegit (present: “he neglects”), neglexit (perfect: “he neglected”). The passive participle is neglectus, and the neuter supine is neglectum. Etymologically, neglegebat derives from neglegere, formed with a neg- prefix attached to legere, giving the sense of failing to attend or give proper attention.

In reference works, neglegebat is listed as a standard imperfect form of neglegere, with the usual notes on its morphology and usage for learners and scholars studying classical Latin syntax and vocabulary.