Aquarius is a Latin word that means “the water carrier.” It is also the eleventh astrological sign in the zodiac and is associated with the element of air. In English and other languages, Aquarius is both a singular and a plural noun. For example, we can say “I am an Aquarius” or “We are Aquariuses.” However, some people prefer to use the Latin plural form “Aquarii” or the Anglicized “Aquarians.”
When teaching students about the plural of Aquarius, it’s important to explain that there is no one correct way to form the plural. It depends on personal preference, context, and tone. Here are some tips and examples to help students understand:
1. Use the “-s” suffix: This is the most common way to form the plural of English nouns. Simply add “-s” to the end of Aquarius to create Aquariuses, as in “There are many Aquariuses in this room.” This form is neutral and formal, but it may sound awkward or clunky to some speakers.
2. Use the Latin “-ii” suffix: This form appeals to speakers who prefer to honor the roots and traditions of the word. Aquarii is the plural form of the Latin word Aquarius, so using it may convey a sense of academic authority, intellectualism, or exoticism. However, it may also sound pretentious or archaic to some speakers. Examples: “The festival celebrates the contributions of the ancient Aquarii” or “The museum exhibit displays ancient artifacts of the Aquarii.”
3. Use the Anglicized “-ans” suffix: This form is a modern and casual alternative to the Latin one. It adds the “-ans” suffix commonly used in English to create “Aquarians,” as in “I am proud to be part of the Aquarians community.” This form may sound trendy, inclusive, or fun, but it may also seem informal or inaccurate to some speakers.
4. Use no suffix: This form is rare but possible in some contexts. It simply uses the word Aquarius to denote both the singular and the plural, as in “The Aquarius of the group were invited to share their insights.” This form may sound poetic, mysterious, or unconventional, but it may also confuse or annoy some listeners.
Overall, teaching students about the plural of Aquarius can be a fun and creative opportunity to explore the nuances of language. Encourage them to experiment with different forms, to express their preferences and opinions, and to respect the choices of others. As Shakespeare’s character Hamlet famously said, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
