Pontifex maximus pointed out that the term existed before there were any bridges in Rome and derived the word from Old Latin "pontis" (sic) meaning a powerful or absolute master, while others derived it from "potis facere" in the sense of "able to sacrifice". The last derivation is mentioned also by Varro, who rejected it, but it was the view of Pontifex Maximus Quintus Scaevola. Others have held that the word was originally "pompifex" (leader of public processions). The word "pons" originally meant "way" and "pontifex" would thus mean "maker of roads and bridges". Another opinion is that the word is a
Latin word order does not raise to the second position: In a negative sentence, the auxiliary tends to attach itself to the word "non", and does not move forward of it. "Non est" can either precede or follow the participle: When "est" is a copula, it tends to be unemphatic and to be placed after a stronger word, or between two strong words: This strong word which "est" follows can also be the subject: It is also possible for the subject to follow the copula: Or the order may be Adjective, Subject, Copula: In some sentences, the copula may begin the sentence: When