nitor

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /ˈniː.tor/, [ˈniːt̪ɔr]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /ˈni.tor/, [ˈniːt̪or]

Verb

nītor (present infinitive nītī, perfect active nīsus sum or nīxus sum); third conjugation, deponent

1. to bear or rest upon something, lean on; to be supported by; to be based on
   • Cicero, De Officiis I, 122:

     Quorum consilio atque auctoritate nitatur

     [so as to] be supported by their advise and their reputation

2. to press forward, advance
3. to mount, climb, ascend; fly
4. to strain in giving birth; bring forth
5. (figuratively) to strive, struggle, exert oneself, make an effort, labor, endeavor

   Synonyms: lūctor, certō, cōnītor, cōnor, temptō, ēlabōrō, appetō, īnsequor, affectō, tendō, quaerō, studeō, contendō, pugnō, molior, perīclitor, ēnītor, adnītor, labōrō, spectō

   • c. 42 BCE, Sallust, Bellum Catilinae :

     Omnīs hominēs quī sēsē student praestāre cēterīs animālibus summā ope nītī decet nē vītam silentiō trānseant veluti pecora

     It is suitable for all who wish to be better than animals to struggle with their best effort in order not to go through life in silence like cattle.

6. (figuratively) to try to prove, contend in argument, argue
7. (figuratively) to rest, rely, depend upon
   • c. 52 BCE, Julius Caesar, Commentarii de Bello Gallico 1.13:

     Se ita a patribus maioribusque suis didicisse, ut magis virtute quam dolo contenderent aut insidiis niterentur

     The Helvetii had learned from their fathers and ancestors to fight their battles with great virtue, not deception or by relying on trickery

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /ˈni.tor/, [ˈnɪt̪ɔr]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /ˈni.tor/, [ˈniːt̪or]

Noun

nitor m (genitive nitōris); third declension

1. brightness, splendor, lustre, sheen
2. sleekness, good looks, beauty, glamour
3. neatness, smartness, elegance, brilliancy
4. (of speech) splendor, elegance, polish, grace
5. (of character) dignity, excellence