What does sententia mean?
Sententia is a learned noun denoting an opinion, proposition, or judgment, especially one expressed for analysis or argument. In contemporary English, it is most often encountered in philosophical writing and in references to Aristotle, whose sententiae are propositions connected with intellectual virtues such as knowledge, practical wisdom, and philosophical judgment. The term can refer either to the content of a claim or to that claim considered as a logical object. Its elevated register makes it more suitable for scholarly discussion than for everyday speech, where opinion, judgment, or proposition would usually be preferred. Sententia also draws attention to the traditional practice of examining concise statements and assessing their soundness. Although Latin in origin and still recognizably Latin in form, it remains part of the specialized vocabulary of Aristotelian philosophy, rhetoric, law, and academic prose.
nounA stated opinion, proposition, or judgment; especially, a philosophical proposition expressing a view or argument.
- A proposition, judgment, or expressed opinion, especially one discussed in philosophical or rhetorical contexts.
- A statement of a belief or conclusion considered as an object of analysis, particularly in references to Aristotle's account of intellectual virtues and reasoning.
"The scholar compared two sententiae concerning the nature of moral virtue."
"The lecture examined the sententia that deliberate habituation is necessary for moral excellence."
"In debate, he accepted one sententia but challenged the reasoning behind it."
The learned Latin plural is standard in philosophical and academic usage, especially when referring to Aristotle's propositions or arguments.
"Several of Aristotle's sententiae distinguish merely intellectual understanding from practical wisdom."
A sententia captures a thought in a single proposition—and in Aristotelian philosophy, it became a model for reasoning carefully about the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sententia come from?
Sententia comes from Latin and derives from sentire, meaning “to perceive, feel, think, or hold an opinion.” It developed in Latin as a term for a thought, opinion, or proposition and, in another sense, a formally expressed sentence. Its best-known philosophical uses are associated with Aristotle's treatment of propositions and intellectual judgment. The root is also reflected in English cognates including sentiment, sensation, sentient, and consent.
How sententia is actually used
The word is uncommon in ordinary English and has a learned, philosophical, or academic tone. Its plural sententiae is especially familiar in discussions of Aristotle's logical and ethical works.
Easily confused with sententia
A sententia is an expressed opinion or proposition, whereas sentiment usually means a feeling, attitude, or emotional view.
A sententia is a proposition or judgment, while a sentence is a complete unit of language or a punishment imposed by a court.