Latin Adjectives: Third Declension

Word Endings

Third declension adjectives follow a pattern similar to how third declension nouns are declined. Furthermore, third declension adjectives can have several different terminations depending on the word. Some adjectives have three terminations (masculine, feminine and neuter), while others have two (masculine/feminine and neuter), and the rest a single termination for all genders.

Example: Three Terminations

ācer, ācris, ācre (sharp, bitter)

Example: Two Terminations

fortis, forte (strong)

Example: Single Termination

While single termination adjectives only have one termination, it’s still important to note that neuter nouns retain the nominative form when used in accusative/vocative form. This rule takes precedence over termination rules.

fēlīx (happy)