Tempus fugit: Difference between revisions
Undid revision 207553381 by Mackmackplatypus (talk) |
Changed "first used" to "first recorded" as expressions are often in use long before any writer puts it to paper. |
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[[Image:Tempus fugit, Sundial versus Digital clock.JPG|thumb|right|250px|''Tempus fugit'' on a [[sundial]]]] |
[[Image:Tempus fugit, Sundial versus Digital clock.JPG|thumb|right|250px|''Tempus fugit'' on a [[sundial]]]] |
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'''Tempus fugit''' is a [[Latin (language)|Latin]] expression meaning "time flees", more commonly translated as "time flies". It is frequently used as an inscription on clocks. The expression was first |
'''Tempus fugit''' is a [[Latin (language)|Latin]] expression meaning "time flees", more commonly translated as "time flies". It is frequently used as an inscription on clocks. The expression was first recorded in the verse ''[[Georgics]]'' written by Roman poet [[Virgil]]: ''Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus'', which means, "But it flees in the meantime: irretrievable time flees". |
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The meaning is sometimes used less colloquially as: "Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment. |
The meaning is sometimes used less colloquially as: "Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment. |
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Revision as of 03:36, 22 May 2008
Tempus fugit is a Latin expression meaning "time flees", more commonly translated as "time flies". It is frequently used as an inscription on clocks. The expression was first recorded in the verse Georgics written by Roman poet Virgil: Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus, which means, "But it flees in the meantime: irretrievable time flees".
The meaning is sometimes used less colloquially as: "Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment.
The expression is succinct and poignant, causing it to appear in numerous ways in modern culture. It appears as titles for television episodes (The X-Files) and musical compositions (jazz pianist Bud Powell, progressive rock group Yes). It also makes many appearances in literature and movies.
See also
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| Measurement and standards |
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| Philosophy of time | |||||||||
| Human experience and use of time | |||||||||
| Time in science |
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