Beatae

/beɪˈɑːtiː/ noun

Definition

Plural of beata in Latin ecclesiastical usage; multiple women who are blessed or beatified.

Etymology

Latin plural form from 'beata' (feminine of 'beatus' meaning 'blessed'), following Latin's grammatical rules where feminine nouns ending in '-a' form plurals in '-ae'.

Kelly Says

Latin's plural system is elaborate and gendered—this single word shows how Church Latin preserved ancient grammatical patterns that regular spoken Latin had already simplified, keeping it as a specialized language of authority.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Latin plural feminine form of 'beata'. Ecclesiastical gender-marking persists in formal canonization documents and liturgical texts, replicating gender categorization.

Inclusive Usage

When translating or modernizing religious texts, consider whether feminine forms must be retained or if unified terminology better serves contemporary audiences.

Inclusive Alternatives

["blessed ones","beatified persons"]

Empowerment Note

Female saints collectively (beatae) represent centuries of uncompensated spiritual labor and sacrifice; historical records should preserve their names individually rather than absorb them into gendered categorical forms.

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