Im just curious if anyone one knows how the name "prius" was derived or what it means/stands for ?? I do know "prius" in latin means "before" or "formerly". This is where the modern english word "prior" comes from. if that was the derivation, then it could makes sense, in that the prius is before its time on the other hand it could be an acronym ?? Petrol Radiates Intensely Ugly Stuff ...ie..to focus on the environmental benefits of an electric powered motor does anyone know for certain ??
Toyota have cited the Latin derivation, although often with slightly dodgy translations such as "to go before" - presumably that was via the Japanese... "Prius" and "Prior" are neuter/masculine forms of a Latin adjective/adverb. One Latin dictionary I've seen suggested that it can also be used as a noun, meaning "that which came before", or something like that. In which case the plural of Prius is Priora.
thats right !! in which case the "Prii" which people seem to cite around here is incorrect Priora it is ! Im sticking to that
From the official Toyota response, Prius is like what you've said, derive from Latin. The acronym reminds me of Gundam Seed. Are you a gundam fan by any chance? General Unilateral Neuro-Link Dispersive Automatic Maneuver http://seedgenesis.net/index.php?action=gundamacro Sorry to hajack the thread~
Most of us are, in fact, well aware that Prii is not a technically correct word. However it flows much more easily than Priuses and is intuitively understood. Over the past 5-6 years it has come into common usage within the Prius community. I believe that's how new words are usually born...is it not? [Broken External Image]:http://mk23.image.pbase.com/u19/efusco/upload/36280617._DSC1002web.jpg
lolz.... I am more of an astroboy fan, thats where I got astrotoy from on topic : It seems we have solved the mystery of the word prius Its cool that it is an actual latin word, unlike LEXUS, which I thought was latin but soon disovered was a boring acronym
And don't forget the Greek god Priapus. (I'll let you google that on your own and leave it at that. )
From Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1971): "Something that precedes or takes precedence" The pronunciation is shown as rhyming with "try us" and the plural as "priuses"
Yes, it is. And there are numerous cases of 'incorrect' application of a plural to a non-English based word. And they just become part of the vernacular, we are use to them and they work. Much of what we understand as 'good' English flows and just sounds 'right'. That said, I would like to lobby against Prii as the plural of Prius. I know it's in somewhat common usage, along with Priuses. I hate them both. I cannot get use to them and they just don't sound right. Sometimes there just ain't no good way make a plural in English. :blink: I suggest just using Prius for the plural of Prius. Before you hammer me, try it. "I love my Prius"....."I saw three red Prius today!" (say that over and over to yourself 200 hundred times ) When you get use to it. It works. It flows, and I think it sounds better.
I think I'm used to hearing "use" used like you do, but I'm not used to seeing it written that way. Aw well, lobby away.
You are correct English is a language that adopts new words and adapts them, either that or invents new ones. I hate the new use of grow, as in grow a business, but I give up. The language has changed what can you do. Prii is in common usage now and time will tell. I think Prii sounds good and that is why it is used.
Yep, sloppy writing. Don't know what I was thinking, or not thinking as the case may be. The English 101 police are everywhere. But I still stand by my dislike for the use of Prii.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Astrotoy7 @ Dec 23 2005, 12:45 PM) [snapback]178014[/snapback]</div> Is that where they really got the name "Lexus"? That is the lamest car name ever.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(larkinmj @ Jun 5 2006, 08:44 PM) [snapback]266461[/snapback]</div> True. I like the name that Studebaker had for one of their cars, the Avanti. That's Italian for "forward," and seems to suit the Prius as well.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Jun 5 2006, 08:49 PM) [snapback]266467[/snapback]</div> Certainly beats the hell out of "No va."
Every time I read and learn about how words enter the English language I am intrigued. It is wonderful how it modifies, adopts and uses words. If I could only spell I would have had another path in life. Unless I had well another arm, or head or something?