Frustra laborant quotquot se calculationibus fatig

English translation: Futile is the labor of those who fatigue themselves with calculations to square the circle.

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)

Latin term or phrase:	Frustra laborant quotquot se calculationibus fatig
English translation:	Futile is the labor of those who fatigue themselves with calculations to square the circle.
Entered by:	Egmont

02:50 Aug 8, 2000

Latin to English translations [PRO]

Latin term or phrase: Frustra laborant quotquot se calculationibus fatig

I don't have a clue what it means. It was quoted to me in a discussion group.

see below

Explanation:
Frustra laborant quotquot se calculationibus fatigant pro inventione quadraturae circuli.
Translation: Futile is the labor of those who fatigue themselves with calculations to square the circle.

Selected response from:

Laura Gentili
Italy
Local time: 15:27

Grading comment

Thank you so very much. The translation that you sent was relevant to the discussion. JC
2 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer

Summary of answers provided

na +1

see below

Laura Gentili

Yes, Laura G. is technically correct, but it doesn't flow well.

Wigtil (X)

Those who would wear themselves out with calculations to square the circle, labour in vain.

Adam Bartley

Answers

1 hr peer agreement (net): +1

see below

Laura Gentili
Italy
Local time: 15:27
Native speaker of:

Italian
PRO pts in pair: 95

Grading comment

Thank you so very much. The translation that you sent was relevant to the discussion. JC

3 hrs

Yes, Laura G. is technically correct, but it doesn't flow well.

Explanation:
Laura G. wrote that the English translation of your phrase, "Frustra laborant quotquot se calculationibus fatigant pro inventione quadraturae circuli," is: "Futile is the labor of those who fatigue themselves with calculations to square the circle." This is quite rugged, unfortunately. If I dare to modernize a bit, it might be something like: "Your work is just pointless if you try all sorts of calculations to figure out the square of the circle."

Wigtil (X)
PRO pts in pair: 67

13 hrs

Those who would wear themselves out with calculations to square the circle, labour in vain.

Explanation:
While I do like your alternative to Laura G.'s version, I'm a little uncomfortable with the shift to the second person singular. (Yes, I know we are dealing with an indefinite subject in either case.) Mine is not really a strong improvement, just a suggested alternative.

Adam Bartley
Australia
Local time: 23:27
Native speaker of:

English
PRO pts in pair: 8

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Frustra laborant quotquot se calculationibus fatig

English translation: Futile is the labor of those who fatigue themselves with calculations to square the circle.

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Frustra laborant quotquot se calculationibus fatig

English translation: Futile is the labor of those who fatigue themselves with calculations to square the circle.

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