International Journal of Philology

Numerals as a specialised means to express quantitative predicates in Latin

Vasyl Shynkaruk, Oksana Chaika
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Abstract

The class of numerals in Latin has been fragmentarily addressed in linguistic studies. This research aimed to bridge that gap by analysing Latin numerals as specialised means to express quantitative predicates within semantic and grammatical dimensions, thereby contributing to the theoretical grammar of classical languages. As a part of speech, numerals are highly productive and play a crucial role across various linguistic styles. A combination of selective, word-formation, descriptive and valency-distribution methods was employed to analyse, systematise and classify the Latin numerals. This approach shed light on the unique characteristics of this lexico-grammatical category. The study detailed the word-formation tendencies of Latin numerals, examined both intra- and interlingual constructions and revealed numerals despite their prepositive position in sentence structures function primarily as quantifiers without developing determinant roles. The syntactic functions of numerals, viewed through the lenses of lexical semantics and morphological paradigms, were also described. The research ddemonstrated that numerals as quantitative predicates exhibit varying valency based on their contextual usage. Semantic varieties of quantitative predicates were analysed at both semantic-syntactic and formal-syntactic levels. The specified predicates were divided according to their semantic variants based on the distinction among absolute, indefinite, approximate, distributive and ratio quantity predicates. The study underscored that, in texts, numerals in quantitative predicates often carry stylistic or pragmatic functions, highlighting the significance of the quantitative aspect in communication. Their usage is especially prominent in scientific and medical texts, religious and historical contexts, mathematical and logical formulations, literary works and legal codes. This research enhances the understanding of numerals and provides insights into the formal mechanisms of their realisation. 
The findings offer a foundation for future theoretical explorations of derivational processes in Latin.

Keywords

grammar; part of speech; numeral; quantitative predicate; semantic variety of a quantitative predicate; sentence structure; syntax; semantics; information structure of the sentence

Suggested citation
Shynkaruk, V., & Chaika, O. (2025). Numerals as a specialised means to express quantitative predicates in Latin. International Journal of Philology, 16(2), 79-95. https://doi.org/10.31548/philolog/2.2025.79
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