Meliora
Encyclopedia
Meliora is a Latin
adjective meaning "better". It is the neuter plural (nominative or accusative
) form of the adjective "melior, -or, -us". It is the motto
of the University of Rochester
at Rochester, New York
. In this context it is accusative and used substantively (i.e., as a noun) to mean "better things", "always better", "ever better", or, more fully, "for the pursuit of the better".
Another translation of the word, in which it would be pronounced with long o and a vowels, would be the second person singular imperative of the verb meliorare, "to improve (something)". As such, Meliora would form a complete sentence: "Make [something] better!"
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
adjective meaning "better". It is the neuter plural (nominative or accusative
Accusative case
The accusative case of a noun is the grammatical case used to mark the direct object of a transitive verb. The same case is used in many languages for the objects of prepositions...
) form of the adjective "melior, -or, -us". It is the motto
Motto
A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
of the University of Rochester
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is a private, nonsectarian, research university in Rochester, New York, United States. The university grants undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral and professional degrees. The university has six schools and various interdisciplinary programs.The...
at Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
. In this context it is accusative and used substantively (i.e., as a noun) to mean "better things", "always better", "ever better", or, more fully, "for the pursuit of the better".
Another translation of the word, in which it would be pronounced with long o and a vowels, would be the second person singular imperative of the verb meliorare, "to improve (something)". As such, Meliora would form a complete sentence: "Make [something] better!"