LATIN DICTIONARYLexicon Latīnum

In hōc signō vincēs

“In this sign you will conquer”

IN · HOC · SIGNO · VINCES

Adapted: a later form of a classical line

Constantine's vision, from Eusebius, Life of Constantine 1.28

Eusebius gives the words in Greek; the Latin is the form that spread.

Word by word

  1. Ininin, on (+ abl.); into, onto (+ acc)
  2. hōchic haecthis, thesesg. abl. m.
  3. signōsignum -ī n.sign, standard, marksg. dat.
  4. vincēsvincō -ereconquer2nd sg. fut. act. ind.

Using it as a motto or tattoo

Latin endings carry gender and number, so a saying about one person may need changing for another. Check your own version, or have three new ones composed, on the motto desk.

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Quick answers

What does “In hoc signo vinces” mean?
“In hōc signō vincēs” means “In this sign you will conquer”. Eusebius gives the words in Greek; the Latin is the form that spread.
Who said “In hoc signo vinces”?
Constantine's vision, from Eusebius, Life of Constantine 1.28.

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