Veto Is Latin for I Forbid
A veto is the power to reject a decision. The word is a complete Latin sentence.
A veto is the power to reject a decision or proposal. The word is a Latin verb in the first person: *veto* means *I forbid*, and it was the single word a Roman tribune of the plebs spoke to block an act of the senate or a magistrate. Saying it was the whole procedure. English has several such imported first-person verbs: *exit* means *he or she goes out*, *ignoramus* means *we do not know*, and *affidavit* means *he has sworn*.
- A power of rejection. *A presidential veto.*
- To reject. *Vetoing the plan.*
- I forbid. *The literal sense.*
- Tribune — who used it. *A tribune.*
- Latin — *veto*. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | veto | A veto. |
| Plural | vetoes | Vetoes. |
| Verb | veto | Vetoing. |
| Past | vetoed | Vetoed. |
| Latin | vetare | To forbid. |
- He used his veto.Power.
- Veto means I forbid.Etymology.
- The bill was vetoed.Verb.
Latin verbs used as English nouns
- Veto — I forbid
- Exit — he or she goes out
- Ignoramus — we do not know
- Affidavit — he has sworn
- Caveat — let him beware
Latin *veto*, I forbid, from *vetare*, to forbid, used by Roman tribunes.
What does veto literally mean?
I forbid. It was the single word a Roman tribune spoke to block an official act.
Are there other Latin verbs used as English nouns?
Yes. Exit means he goes out, ignoramus means we do not know, and caveat means let him beware.