Latin quote · History
Cetera desunt
“The rest is missing.”
Scholarly editorial note
Translation
What does “Cetera desunt” mean?
Cetera desunt translates as “The rest is missing.”
A note that a text breaks off – the remainder has been lost.
Origin
The story behind it
Editors and printers placed it at the end of incomplete texts, such as ancient works that survive only in part; it is also spelled ‘caetera desunt’.
When to use it
Perfect for
It works as a caption, a card message, a tattoo idea, a motto for your desk or a print for your wall.
- Latin
- Cetera desunt
- English
- The rest is missing.
- Source
- Scholarly editorial note
- Era
- Early Modern
- Theme
- History
One Latin line. Every Monday.
A quote, its translation and the story behind it, free in your inbox.