More Verbs, More Datives

Verbs Taking the Dative (p3/?)

‘Special’ Verbs with Dative and Accusative

Verbs known for taking the dative do not always and only take the dative; they may also take a dative with and accusative

• The king threatened him with a sword: eī ēnsem rēx minātus est. (object used to threaten)
• He ordered hostages from the Cretans: Crētēnsibus obsidēs imperāvit. (content of order)
• I pardon her of everything: omnia eī īgnōscō. (content of pardon)

Verbs Taking Either The Dative or The Accusative (Without Distinction)

Certain verbs take a dative or an accusative without a difference in meaning.

• He flattered Antony: adūlātus est Antōniō.
• He flattered Nero: adūlātus est Nerōnem.

• We despair of peace: pācem dēsperāmus!
• The never despaired of your safety: numquam salūtī vestrō dēspērāvērunt.

• He emulated the greatest men: summīs virīs aemulābātur.
• Let us emulate our ancestors: maiōrēs aemulēmur.

• I wait your judgment: tuum iudicium praestōlor.
• Are they expecting rain: imbrī praestōlantur? 

• The prophet heals the woman: fēminae vātes medētur.
• She corrected these evils: hōs malōs medēbātur. 

Verb Summary

• adūlor, adūlārī, adūlātus sum: to flatter
• dēspērō, dēspērāre, dēspērāvī, dēspērātum: to despair of
• aemulor, aemulārī, aemulātus sum: to rival with, copy, be envious of
• praestōlor, praestōlārī, praestōlātus sum: to await, expect
• medeor, medērī (no perfect forms): to heal, cure, amend, correct

The Essential AG: 367b, 369

Famous Phrase: nīl dēspērandum Teucrō duce et auspice Teucrō

(nothing need be feared, with Teucer leading, Tuecer presiding)

Horace, Odes, 1.7.27