Latin quote · Society

Absit invidia

“Let there be no envy (no offence intended).”

Classical Latin phrase (cf. Livy 9.19)

Translation

What does “Absit invidia” mean?

Absit invidia translates as “Let there be no envy (no offence intended).”

A polite way to say ‘no offence’ before praising something or making a comparison.

Word by word

“Absit invidia” word by word

Latin	English	Grammar
Absit	let it be absent; let there be none	third person singular present subjunctive of absum, “to be away, be absent”; the subjunctive here expresses a wish (jussive)
invidia	envy; ill will	nominative singular feminine of invidia, “envy”; the subject of absit

Pronunciation

How to pronounce “Absit invidia”

Classical LatinAHB-sit in-WID-ee-ah

Church LatinAHB-sit in-VEE-dee-ah

Classical v is a w sound and church v is a v sound; the church i in invidia is also a long ee. Stress the first syllable of absit and the second of invidia in both systems.

Origin & context

The story behind it

Word for word the phrase says “let envy be absent”. It is a wish that envy, and the ill luck Romans thought envy could bring, stay away.

The idea has an ancient setting. Romans feared that boasting or praising something too openly could draw invidia, and with it bad luck. The phrase worked as a small verbal safeguard, much like English “no offence” or “touch wood”.

Livy, in book 9 of his history of Rome, uses the fuller form absit invidia verbo, “let there be no envy in the word”, when he compares Alexander the Great with Roman commanders. The short form absit invidia survives in English writing as a polite disclaimer before a bold claim or comparison.

When to use it

How to use “Absit invidia”

Useful as a light disclaimer in a speech, essay or toast before you praise someone or compare two things. It also suits a card, a caption or a tattoo for someone who wants humility and goodwill in two words.

Latin: Absit invidia
English: Let there be no envy (no offence intended).
Source: Classical Latin phrase (cf. Livy 9.19)
Era: Antiquity
Theme: Society

Good to know

Common mistakes

It does not mean “envy is absent” as a plain statement; the verb is a wish or polite request (“let there be no envy”).
Invidia is not “invidious” in the modern English sense of unfair; in Latin it means envy or ill will.
The fuller Livy line is absit invidia verbo; the short form is a later, shortened use and not exactly Livy’s wording.
Do not change absit to absint unless the subject becomes plural, as in “let envies be absent”, which is not the usual phrase.

FAQ

Questions about “Absit invidia”

What does “Absit invidia” mean literally?

“Let envy be absent.” In everyday English it works as “no offence intended” or “no ill will meant”.

Who said “Absit invidia”?

It is a Classical Latin phrase, not tied to one author. Livy (book 9) uses the fuller “absit invidia verbo”.

How do you pronounce “Absit invidia”?

Classically: AHB-sit in-WID-ee-ah. In church Latin: AHB-sit in-VEE-dee-ah.

Is “Absit invidia” correct Latin for a tattoo?

Yes. It is a real Latin phrase with correct grammar. Just be aware that it reads as a polite disclaimer, so some people choose it for humility or good wishes.

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