| Latin I | Mythology |
| Latin II | Derivatives |
| Latin III | Links of Interest and Use |
| AP Latin | Conjugations |
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I. The Latin word cum is usually immediately associated with its use as a preposition meaning "with." This is not its only meaning.
II. Cum can also be used as a conjunction meaning "when, since or although." When it has these meanings, it is being used to introduce a subordinate clause.
III. When it is describing an event occurring at a precise time in the past, present or future, cum is translated as "when (or while)," and the verb of the subordinate clause is in the indicative mood. This is referred to as a Temporal Cum Clause.
Cum eum vidēbis, eum cognōscēs. - When you (will) see him, you will recognize him.
Cum vēnerit, eum vidēbō. - When he comes, I shall see him.
A. Sometimes this use of the Temporal Cum Clause is combined with tum in the main clause...
Cum vincimus, tum pācem spērās. - When (While) we are winning, then you are (at the same time) hoping for peace.
B. and it may also be translated not only... but.
Cum ad illum locum vēnerant, tum amīcōs contulerant. - Not only had they come to that place, but they had also brought their friends.
IV. Most often though, the verb of the subordinate clause is in the subjunctive.
A. When cum is describing the general circumstances (not the exact time) during which the main action of the verb occurs, it is referred to as a Circumstantial Cum Clause...
Cum hoc fēcisset, ad tē fūgit. - When he had done this, he fled to you.
B. When cum is explaining the cause of the action of the main verb, it is referred to as a Causal Cum Clause...
Cum hoc scīret, potuit eōs iuvāre. - Since he knew this, he was able to help them.
C. When cum is describing an event that might have obstructed the main action, it is referred to as an Adversative Cum Clause.
Cum hoc scīret, tamen mīlitēs mīsit. - Although he knew this, nevertheless he sent the soldiers.
Cum Gāium dīligerēmus, nōn poterāmus eum iuvāre - Although we loved Gaius, we could not (were not able to) help him.
Jerard White, Magister Linguae Latinae
last updated Saturday, August 21 2004