penates Definition
- 1the household gods of the ancient Romans
- 2the personal belongings or essential possessions of a person
Using penates: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "penates" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The penates were worshipped as protectors of the home and family.
Example
She packed her penates and left for the new city.
Example
His penates included his laptop, phone, and passport.
penates Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with penates
penates familiae
the household gods of a family
Example
The penates familiae were kept in a special shrine in the home.
penates vestimentorum
personal clothing and accessories
Example
She carefully packed her penates vestimentorum for the trip.
Example
The government made efforts to secure the penates rei publicae during times of war.
Origins of penates
from Latin 'penus', meaning 'food' or 'provisions'
Summary: penates in Brief
The term 'penates' [piːˈneɪtiːz] refers to two distinct concepts. Firstly, it denotes the household gods of ancient Rome, believed to protect the home and family. Secondly, it refers to the personal belongings or essential possessions of a person, as in 'She packed her penates and left for the new city.' The phrase 'penates familiae' denotes the household gods of a family.
