On Eve
Latin Grammar: Deponent Verbs
Dixit quidem Apostolus: Per charitatem servite invicem (Gal. V, 13); sed nequaquam diceret: Invicem dominamini. Possunt itaque coniuges per charitatem servire invicem; sed mulierem non permittit Apostolus dominari in virum. Haec enim viro potius sententia detulit, et maritus habere dominium meruit mulieris, non natura, sed culpa: quod tamen nisi servetur, depravabitur amplius et augebitur culpa.
Many Latin verbs are deponent verbs, meaning that they appear to be passive, but they actually have an active meaning. In the above example, dominor has the form of a passive verbs but it must be translated as an active verb ("to dominate," "to be master of"). It is important to recognize deponent verbs so that you do not translate them passively. Practice recognizing deponent verbs by translating the following common deponent verbs. Impersonal verbs, especially paenitet, are often best translated as active verbs, turning the accusative or date object into a subject.