pater semper incertus est

Latin

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /ˈpa.ter ˈsem.per inˈker.tus est/, [ˈpät̪ɛr ˈs̠ɛmpɛr ɪŋˈkɛrt̪ʊs̠ ɛs̠t̪]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /ˈpa.ter ˈsem.per inˈt͡ʃer.tus est/, [ˈpäːt̪er ˈsɛmper in̠ʲˈt͡ʃɛrt̪us ɛst̪]

Phrase

pater semper incertus est

1. "The father is always uncertain" (i.e. the identity of a child’s father is always in question)

Usage notes

• Note: at the present time Genealogical DNA testing can establish paternity.

References

• en:Mater semper certa est