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Latin Phrases

Latin lives on as the language of law, academia, and quietly confident writing. Knowing a handful unlocks a huge chunk of journalism and criticism.

22 entries

Level

Core

Common

All

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Latin Phrases

Ad Hoc

Improvised for a specific purpose, not part of a general plan.

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Latin Phrases

Ad Infinitum

Endlessly, without limit; continuing forever.

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Latin Phrases

Ad Nauseam

Repeated or continued to a sickening, exhausting extent.

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Latin Phrases

Alma Mater

The school, college, or university where someone studied.

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Latin Phrases

Bona Fide

Genuine, authentic, real.

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Latin Phrases

Carpe Diem

Make the most of the present.

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Latin Phrases

Circa (c.)

'Approximately,' used in front of dates and quantities — 'circa 1450,' 'c. 1450.'

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Latin Phrases

De Facto

True in practice, even if not officially.

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Latin Phrases

e.g. (exempli gratia)

'For example' — used to introduce one or more examples of something just mentioned.

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Latin Phrases

Et al. (et alia)

Standard academic shorthand for 'and other authors' in a citation with multiple contributors.

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Latin Phrases

Et tu, Brute?

An expression of shock at being betrayed by a close friend.

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Latin Phrases

i.e. (id est)

'That is to say' — used to restate something more precisely or clarify what was just said.

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Latin Phrases

In Vino Veritas

The proverb that people say what they really think once alcohol is involved.

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Latin Phrases

Modus Operandi (M.O.)

Someone's characteristic method of doing something.

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Latin Phrases

Non Sequitur

A statement, conclusion, or response that doesn't follow logically from what came before.

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Latin Phrases

Per Se

Intrinsically, on its own terms.

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Latin Phrases

Pro Bono

Done for free, especially professional work donated for the public good — most associated with lawyers.

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Latin Phrases

Quid Pro Quo

An exchange of favors or value.

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Latin Phrases

R.I.P. (requiescat in pace)

The standard inscription on Christian gravestones — and the universal English shorthand for 'this is dead.'

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Latin Phrases

Status Quo

The existing state of affairs.

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Latin Phrases

Veni, Vidi, Vici

A boast of a quick, decisive win.

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Latin Phrases

Vice Versa

The reverse also being true.