Word of the Day

Iovis

Iovis

Latin

Latin/ˈjɔ.wis/Latin adjective/jɔˈwaː.lis/
“The king of the Roman gods became the adjective for cheerful sociability — because people born under Jupiter's influence were supposedly born lucky and good-humored.”

Jupiter — Iuppiter in Latin, Iovis in the genitive case — was the king of the Roman gods, the supreme deity of the Olympian pantheon, equivalent to the Greek Zeus. The name derives from the Proto-Indo-European *Dyēus ph₂tēr (sky father), cognate with Sanskrit Dyaus Pitā, Greek Zeus Patēr, and the Vedic divine sky. Jupiter governed thunder, lightning, kingship, law, and cosmic order. He was also, crucially for the word's etymology, associated with benevolence, abundance, and the positive aspect of supreme power: unlike the terrifying face of divine wrath, Jupiter's favorable aspect brought good weather, successful harvests, and fortunate outcomes.

5 stops · from Rome to Global

Read the full story

One word, each morning

A brief origin story and a path back into the archive. No streaks and no reminders to catch up.

Only the edition you chose. Unsubscribe whenever you like. Read the privacy note.

Free, and free of ads

The Journey carries no advertisements and asks for no subscription. Readers keep it running.

Help keep the museum open
Subscribe via RSS