praecipimus

Praecipimus is a Latin verb meaning “we command,” “we instruct,” or “we prescribe.” It is the first-person plural present indicative active form of the verb praecipio, praecepi, praeceptum, which belongs to a mixed 3-io conjugation pattern. The present stem is praecip-, yielding forms such as praecipimus, praecipitis, praecipit, and so on. The imperfect and other tenses follow regular 3-io patterns, for example praecipiebamus in the imperfect 1st person plural.

Etymology and sense derive from prae- “before” plus capio “to take” or seize, with a figurative extension to taking action beforehand, i.e., giving instruction, orders, or directives in advance. The noun praeceptum, from the same root, means a “precept,” instruction, or rule, and it has given English precept and related terms.

Usage in Latin texts is primarily directive or instructional. Praecipimus occurs in formal decrees, papal bulls, legal pronouncements, and instructional passages to indicate that a rule, order, or instruction is being issued. It is commonly accompanied by ut clauses or with direct objects referring to persons or actions to be performed. The form contrasts with the imperative praecipe (singular) or praecipite (plural), which address second-person commands.

In English, the verb’s sense is usually rendered as “we command” or “we instruct,” depending on context, while the noun form praeceptum yields the word precept. The root also appears in various English derivatives related to instruction and command.

See also: praecipere, praeceptum, precept.