What is the distinction between the Latin words 'vēndō' and 'vēneō'?

The distinction between the Latin words 'vēndō' and 'vēneō' indeed lies in their meanings related to the concepts of selling and being sold. 'Vēndō' translates to "(to) sell," which denotes the action of a seller engaging in the transaction of selling goods or services. In contrast, 'vēneō' translates to "(to) be sold," highlighting the state or condition of something that is subject to sale — that is, it is available for sale rather than actively being sold by a seller.

Understanding this distinction is essential for grasping nuances in Latin vocabulary concerning transaction roles. 'Vēndō' communicates an active agency in the selling process, whereas 'vēneō' implies a passive state of being, wherein the focus is on the item or service that is offered in the marketplace. This differentiation aligns with the linguistic structures where verbs reflect either an active or passive voice in their meanings.