ad astra

Latin

Etymology

Literally, “to [the] stars”, as a metaphor for immortality and eternal glory.

Pronunciation

Phrase

ad astra

  1. (idiomatic) to the stars, to heaven (cf. reach for the stars)
    per aspera ad astra
    Through hardships to the stars.
    • 29 BCE – 19 BCE, Virgil, Aeneid 9.640:
      macte novā virtūte, puer, sīc ītur ad astra
      • 2007 translation by Ahl, Frederick
        Blessings on your new manhood, my boy. That’s the pathway to heaven.

Usage notes

  • Used in a large variety of poetic expressions and modern mottoes.

Further reading

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