votum

Votum is a Latin noun meaning a vow, pledge, or wish. In classical usage, it referred to a promise made to the gods in exchange for favorable outcomes, often fulfilled by sacrifice or offering if the desired result was achieved. Over time, the concept extended to formal religious vows undertaken by individuals or communities, especially within Christian contexts.

Etymology and grammar: Votum is a neuter noun of the second declension. In Latin, its principal forms are singular: nominative votum, genitive voti, dative voto, accusative votum, ablative voto; and plural: nominative vota, genitive votorum, dative votis, accusative vota, ablative votis. The neuter plural vota is commonly used in texts to mean “vows.”

Uses and contexts: In ancient Roman religion, a votum could be vowed by individuals or by public assemblies to deities such as Jupiter or Mars, with a publicly declared fulfillment once the promise was fulfilled. In Christian tradition, votum often denotes a formal, lifelong commitment taken by religious persons or communities, such as vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, or other specific promises before a superior or the Church.

Modern usage: In scholarly or ecclesiastical Latin, votum remains a standard term for a vow or solemn promise. In modern Romance languages, descendants of votum—such as voto in Italian and voto in Spanish and Portuguese—retain the sense of vow and, in some contexts, vote or ballot. In English, votum appears mainly in Latin or ecclesiastical discussions, with “vow” as the common everyday term.