Floreat

/ˈflɔːreæt/ verb

Definition

An archaic or formal third-person singular form meaning 'may it flourish' or 'may it flower'—often used in Latin mottoes and phrases.

Etymology

From Latin 'floreat,' the third-person subjunctive of 'florere' (to flourish, to flower). This is the subjunctive mood expressing wishes or commands, preserving Latin grammatical structure in English.

Kelly Says

Universities and institutions still use 'floreat' in their Latin mottos ('Floreat Etona,' 'Floreat Academia')—they're wishing their institutions eternal flourishing like perpetual flowers.

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