I have a question about the subtle differences in meaning and use betwen several words.
For example, between desidero, desiderare and cupio, cupere (and volo for that matter): When is one more appropriate than the other?
Also what are the differences between diligo, diligere and amo, amare?
What are the differences between cito and celeriter?
I do not get a sense of the differences from Wheelock. If anyone has any wisdom on this, please share it.
Peace
Andy
Sometimes subtle differences can be explained well in another language. For instance, otium and pax, though related, have distinctly different meanings. For the words you mention, though, the best way to learn the differences (if any) is by reading. Pay attention to the way Latin authors use them. You’ll pick up the distinctions naturally that way.
But in regards to the particular questions you ask, amo and diligo both can mean love, but amo has more of the sense of emotional affection, while diligo often expresses respect or esteem.
If there is a semantic difference between celeriter and cito, I’m not aware of it. Cito probably appears more frequently in poetry because it works better with meter.
Best,
David