plusquamperfectum

plusquamperfectum

Latin

Etymology 1

From plūs (“more”) + quam (“than”) + perfectum, neuter singular of perfectus (“achieved; finished; perfected”). Literally, "more than finished".

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /pluːs.kʷam.perˈfek.tum/, [pɫuːs.kʷam.pɛrˈfɛk.tʊ̃]

Adjective

plūsquamperfectum

1. nominative neuter singular of plūsquamperfectus
2. accusative neuter singular of plūsquamperfectus
3. vocative neuter singular of plūsquamperfectus

Etymology 2

From tempus praeteritum plūsquamperfectum, "the pluperfect tense" (Literally: "the more-than-finished past tense")

Adjective

plūsquamperfectum

1. (grammar; neuter substantive (etymological)) the pluperfect

Usage notes

• The term tempus praeteritum plūsquamperfectum should always be used; "plūsquamperfectum" by itself is simply the word from which the term's descendants originated.