The impersonal latet (from the sans-passive lateō, latēre, latuī, —) takes either an accusative or a dative in prose and poetry. The accusative is the more common form.
- It escapes me: mē latet.
- Most people are unaware: plērōs latet.
- She doesn’t know yet: eī adhuc latet.
Lateō can also be used impersonally, with the same variation in form:
- Rome lies safe from enemies: Rōma hostibus latet.
- The escaped songbirds elude their keepers: passērēs vāgī custōdēs latent.
In practice, a direct object isn’t always necessary.
- The finest things remain unseen: pulcherrima latent.
(And yep, this word is related to λανθάνω)
The Essential AG: 388cn1, 396c, 396cn
