Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Roman playwright: Publius Terentius Afer was a dramatist in ancient Rome, known for writing comedies. He was originally from North Africa (as indicated by "Afer") but was brought to Rome as a slave.
   • A literary figure: He is a significant author of Latin literature, whose six surviving plays are adaptations of earlier Greek comedies by Menander.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The plays of Publius Terentius Afer are studied for their elegant Latin and complex characters.
  • Unlike Plautus, Publius Terentius Afer wrote comedies with a more refined and subtle style.

Advanced Usage

• "Terentian" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the plays or style of Publius Terentius Afer.
  • The dialogue exhibits a Terentian sophistication.

Variants and Related Words

• Terence: This is the Anglicized, common name for Publius Terentius Afer. He is almost universally referred to simply as "Terence" in English literary discussion.
  • Terence's comedy "The Eunuch" was a great success.

Synonyms

• Terence: The conventional English name for this playwright.
• Roman comic playwright: A descriptive synonym placing him in his historical and genre context.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto": A famous line from Terence's play "Heauton Timorumenos" ("The Self-Tormentor"), meaning "I am human, I consider nothing human alien to me." This phrase is often cited independently to express humanist empathy.

Noun

1. dramatist of ancient Rome (born in Greece) whose comedies were based on works by Menander (190?-159 BC)