sequatur

Sequatur is a Latin verb form belonging to the deponent verb sequi, “to follow.” Specifically, sequatur is the third-person singular present subjunctive, and in meaning it functions as passive in form but active in sense, roughly translating as “that he may follow” or “let him follow.”

As a deponent, sequi has its principal parts as sequor, sequi, secutus sum; its present subjunctive forms—including sequatur—are used in subordinate clauses to express potential or exhortation, such as purpose or intention. The form sequatur is closely tied to the standard present indicative sequitur (he follows) but carries the subjunctive force of a wish, possibility, or command.

In usage, sequatur appears mainly in classical and medieval Latin in clauses introduced by ut or in other contexts requiring the subjunctive. It can occur in legal, moral, or exhortatory sentences where the speaker wishes or envisions someone following a rule, example, or process.

In modern reference works, sequatur is typically treated as a specific morphological form of sequi rather than as an independent lemma. When Latin dictionaries are consulted, the principal entry tends to be the deponent lexeme sequor, sequi, secutus sum, with sequatur listed as one of its subjunctive forms.

See also: sequi, sequor, secutus sum, deponent verbs.