What is the Latin word for "enemy" that appears in Cicero's texts?

Study for the Cicero Latin Vocabulary Test. Enhance your Latin skills with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare comprehensively for your exam!

The term "hostis" is the Latin word used by Cicero to refer to an "enemy." In Roman culture and the language of Cicero, "hostis" specifically denotes an enemy, especially in the context of warfare or a political adversary. This word carries connotations of opposition and conflict, making it integral to discussions of politics, morality, and relationships with others, which are common themes in Cicero's work.

The other choices represent different concepts. "Pax," for example, translates to "peace," which is the opposite of war and conflict. "Amicus" means "friend," indicating a positive relationship rather than an adversarial one. The word "foe," while it does mean "enemy" in English, is not the Latin term and thus does not apply in the context of Cicero's vocabulary. Understanding the nuance of "hostis" within Cicero's writings helps to appreciate his rhetoric and the complexities of his political discourse.

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