-que

From Proto-Italic *-kʷe (“and”), from Proto-Indo-European *-kʷe (“and”). Cognates include Sanskrit च (ca), Ancient Greek τε (te), Proto-Germanic *-hw ( → English (thou)gh). Its alternative use as a generalizing particle "any, -every" with pronouns and adverbs may result from a shift from an earlier meaning along the lines of "as". There are also a number of words that are etymologically suffixed with this particle but that have developed specific meanings not clearly analyzable in terms of either of these senses, such as dēnique (“finally; at length”).

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /kʷe/, [kʷɛ]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /kwe/, [kwe]

Conjunction

-que(enclitic)

1. and, coordinating conjunction [ quotations ▼]

   Senatus Populusque Romanus.

1. The Senate and the People of Rome

   (literally, “The Roman Senate and People”)

1. (when repeated) "both... and", "whether... or" [ quotations ▼]
2. introducing an explanatory clause [ quotations ▼]
3. (rare) used in an answer [ quotations ▼]

Usage notes

• -que is always attached to the end of a word. When used to coordinate two words, it is normally attached to the second; when used to coordinate two phrases or clauses, it is normally attached to the first word of the second phrase/clause. In some circumstances, it is attached instead to the second word of the second phrase: this occurs often when the second phrase starts with a monosyllabic preposition, sometimes when it starts with a disyllabic preposition or the adverb tam or quam.
• In archaic and official language, -que is preferred to et, from which it is distinguished by denoting a closer connection.
• It is used singly to link words with related meanings.

  Some examples:

• Fames sitisque. (hunger and thirst)

  Augeri amplificarique. (to be increased and to be enlarged)

  Admirabilis incredibilisque. (admirable and incredible)

  Fuga pavorque. (fleeing and fear)

  Cibus victusque. (sustenance and living)

  Concilium coetusque. (a public gathering and a meeting)

  Blandimenta voluptatis otiique. (delights of pleasure and leisure)

  Extremum summumque supplicium. (the furthest and greatest punishment)

  Imperio auspicioque. (with command and divination)

  Carus acceptusque. ([he is] dear and pleasing)

  Jus fasque. (law and divine will)

• It is especially used in phrases like:

• Longe longeque. (far off and distant)

  Longe multumque. (distant and much)

  Saepe diuque. (often and for a long time)

• With the comparative:

• Plus plusque. (more and more)

  Magis magisque. (to a greater extent and more)

  Minus minusque. (less and less)

• When used with personal and possessive pronouns:

• Me meosque. (me and mine)

  Se suaque. (themselves and their possession)

  Ipse meique. (himself and mine)

• Also used in archaic formulae:

• Potes pollesque. (you are able and you are strong)

  Vivunt vigentque. (they live and they flourish)

• Also words of contrasting meaning:

  Jus nefasque. (law and sin)

  Longe lateque. (distant and widely)

  Cominus eminusque. (in close combat and beyond swords reach)

  Ultro citroque. (there and here) literally "beyond and to this side"

  Terrā marique. (from earth and sea)

  Ferro ignique. (with iron and [with] fire)

  Pace belloque. (with peace and [with] war)

  Tempus locusque. (time and place)

  Parvis magnisque. (with small and [with] large)