What is an 'Ablative Absolute' and how can I translate it from Latin to English?
An ablative absolute is a construct very common in Latin. It comes from the verb "absolvo" (to free) and it literally means "a freed ablative" in the sense that it is completely independent of every other part of the period. It is formed by a participle (either present or past) and a noun, both of them are in ablative and share the same quantity and gender.
GM
Related Latin A Level answers
All answers ▸On Aeneas' shield in Book 8, what images does Virgil use to make Octavian special and to elevate him above the status of combatant in a civil war with Antony? How are Octavian's opponents portrayed?
How does Cicero build up Pompey's achievement and abilities during the pirate campaign?
'How is it possible to recognise an extended period of oratio obliqua unintroduced by a verb of speech in Tacitus?'
What is an 'Ablative Absolute' and how can I translate it from Latin to English?