# Latin translation: "In the absence of light darkness prevails"

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-translation-in-the-absence-of-light-darkness-prevails/242862>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 30, 2004, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-translation-in-the-absence-of-light-darkness-prevails/242862 "2004-04-30T15:40:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![brianmelendez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/65b543/32.png) [@brianmelendez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianmelendez)\
**Post date:** [April 30, 2004, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-translation-in-the-absence-of-light-darkness-prevails/242862/1 "2004-04-30T15:40:48Z")

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A friend has asked me for a translation into Latin of the sentence, “In the absence of light darkness prevails.” I responded,

> [@](#):
>
> This phrase may be a common expression with a customary translation, but unfortunately I don’t know it. I would translate it as _sine luce, tenebrae regnant_ – which translates more literally as “without light, night reigns.” You could also go with _vacuum,_ “void,” in place of _tenebrae_; or with _vincent,_ “conquers” or “wins,” in place of _regnant_. (By the way, _tenebrae_ is plural. So if you went with _vacuum_, a singular noun, then the verb would need to be singular too – _regnat_ or _vincit_.)

I am not certain of my translation here. If anyone has a critique or a better idea, I would enjoy hearing it. Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Satyagrahi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f475e1/32.png) [@Satyagrahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satyagrahi)\
**Post date:** [April 30, 2004, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latin-translation-in-the-absence-of-light-darkness-prevails/242862/2 "2004-04-30T16:12:14Z")

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May I respectfully suggest [ProZ](http://www.proz.com)?

This is a site where hundreds of pro and semi-pro translators hang out, hoping that a paying job will come along. In the meantime, they’re happy to provide answers to short translation questions…for free.

You might get several opinions…but you choose the one you like.