DEPONENT VERBS ch. 36

These verbs are passive in form but active in meaning.
e.g. sequor = I follow, locūtus sum = I spoke

Most forms of the verb are passive but have active meanings. However, the present active participle (and the future active participle which you have not yet learned) are active in form and meaning.

NEW FORMS

Present Passive Infinitive
Normally this form is translated “to be verbed” but with a deponent verb it means “to verb.”
Formation:
1) 2nd prinicipal part
a) minus final e, if not 3rd or 3rd io
b) minus ere, if 3rd or 3rd io
2) add long ī
e.g. loquī = to speak, cōnārī = to try, capī = to be captured, monērī = to be warned

Present Passive Imperatives
Normally this form is translated “Be verbed!” but with a deponent verb it means “Verb!”
Formation:
2nd singular imperative = 2nd prinicipal part, e.g. loquere, monēre, cōnāre
2nd plural imperative = 2nd plural present passive indicative, e.g. loquiminī, amāminī

Examples of Deponent Verbs
Cōnātus discēdere didicī mē non posse.
Having tried to leave, I have learned that I cannot.
Loquere nunc aut semper silē!
Speak now or be quiet forever!
Mortuus sum sed passī sunt eum domum proficiscī.
I died but they allowed him to set out for home.