Sententia

Sententia is a Latin word meaning "opinion," "judgment," "sentence," "thought," or "feeling." It is derived from the verb sentire, meaning "to feel," "to perceive," or "to think."

In rhetoric, sententia refers to a concise and memorable statement of wisdom or a general truth. It is often used to add weight and authority to an argument or to provide a succinct summary of a complex idea. A sententia is similar to an aphorism, maxim, or proverb, but it often carries a more formal and literary tone. The use of sententiae was common in classical oratory and literature, particularly during the Roman period. Authors would often weave well-known sententiae into their works to appeal to the audience's sense of shared knowledge and understanding.

In legal contexts, sententia can refer to a formal judgment or sentence handed down by a court. This usage reflects the connection between the act of judging and the formation of an opinion or conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.

The word's broad range of meanings reflects the underlying connection between thought, feeling, and judgment, all originating from the fundamental ability to perceive and understand.