Brilio.net/en - Harry Potter enthusiast, we all understand that you can’t imagine a day without waving your wand. But if you have five minutes, would you put down your wand and at least try to understand the meaning of the spells you used to babble?
While we’re all still waiting for that long-sought letter from Hogwarts, maybe we can spend our time to learn the true meaning behind some of the most basic spells, all of which happen to be derivatives of latin words.
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Okay, maybe it’s kind of boring to discuss Muggle things like science or language, but you may find this rather advantageous. As featured on Mashable, here are the meaning of those spells:
1. Accio
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Simple yet very useful, especially if we lost an important thing and can’t find it anywhere, this commonly used summoning charm literally means “I summon” in Latin. Well, it’s far better than just saying “I summon” in English.
2. Finite Incantatum
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There's a derivative of a latin word used in this counter spell. Finite is a Latin imperative plural (a command directed at many people) of the word “finis” or “ad finem,” which means “to end.” Meanwhile, “incantatum” is a passive participle for “incanto,” which simply means “bewitching.” So the whole phrase means “to end bewitching.”
3. Expelliarmus
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Digging into its Latin roots, “expelliarmus” combines “expello” (I banish) with “arma” (weapon). So, this spell is predictably used to disarm your opponent.
4. Lumos
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It is derived from the Latin word “lumen,” which literally means “light.” ‘Nuff said.
5. Nox
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As the counter spell to Lumos, Nox is the Latin word for “night.”
6. Expecto Patronum
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When Dementors are about, this spell is a lifesaver for every wizard. Originally, the Latin word “patronus” literally means “a protector or influential person.” Expecto means “I look” or “I wait.” Put them together, and you have “I wait for a protector.” Every wizard has their particular form of patronus, which takes its shape as a glowing animal figure, such as a stag or a wolf.
The patronus is also strongly influenced by our feelings towards a significant other. For example, Ron's patronus is a jack russel terrier, known for chasing otters; Hermione's patronous is an otter. The otter was chosen for Hermione because it is part of the weasel family. Nymphadora Tonks conjured a hare Patronus until her love for Remus Lupin changed it into a wolf.
7. Obliviate
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The word comes from the Medieval Latin “obliviscor,” which means “I forget.” In case you haven't already guessed, it makes you forget everything.
QUITE UNPREDICTABLE, HUH? CLICK NEXT TO FIND OUT THE ORIGINS OF THE OTHER SPELLS