spicio

Spicio is a Latin verb meaning to look at, behold, or observe. It is used with a direct object and often conveys intentional or attentive looking, as opposed to simply seeing. In classical Latin, spicio occurs in a range of contexts from ordinary perception to careful examination.

Etymology and related forms: Spicio belongs to the -io class of Latin verbs and shares a root with other sight-related verbs such as inspicio (to look into, inspect) and conspicio (to catch sight of, observe). The root is connected to the broader spec- family, which includes specto and perspicere, reflecting a general semantic field of vision and inspection.

Conjugation and usage: Spicio follows the standard pattern of -io verbs for present and other tenses, with present indicative forms such as spicio, spicis, spicit, spicimus, spicitis, spiciunt. Its perfect forms are typically spexi and spectum, among others, with compound forms used in compounds like inspicio and conspicio to express related nuances such as inspecting, looking into, or observing more closely.

Usage notes: Spicio appears in classical authors to describe looking at something with attention or scrutiny. Its related compounds extend the sense to inspecting (inspicio), catching sight of (conspicio), and similar perceptual or evaluative actions. The verb commonly appears with concrete objects but can also convey perceptual nuance in broader contexts.

Example: Marcus librum inspicit. Translation: Marcus looks into or at the book.

See also: conspicio, inspicio, perspicere.