Latin phrases in English

Several Latin phrases have become an integral part of English vocabulary. Here are some Latin phrases everyone should know.

a priori – from what comes before

acta non verba – actions, not words

ad hoc – created for a particular purpose

ad hominem – appealing to feelings rather than intellect

ad infinitum – to infinity

ad nauseam – used to refer to an argument or a discussion that has continued so long that it induces nausea

alias – an assumed name

alibi – the claim that a person was somewhere else when an act is alleged to have taken place

alma mater – one’s university or college

amor patriae – love of one’s country

amor vincit Omnia –       love conquers all

ante bellum – before the war

aqua vitae – water of life

This expression is mainly used to refer to native distilled beverages

aut cum scuto aut in scuto – do or die

This is what Spartan mothers used to tell their sons as they left for battle.

bona fide – good faith

carpe diem – seize the day

caveat emptor – let the buyer beware

The buyer is responsible for checking the quality of the goods

circa – around, or approximately

citius altius forties –       faster, higher, stronger

This is the motto of modern Olympics.

cogito ergo sum – ‘I think therefore I am’ — famous quote by Rene Descartes

curriculum vitae – the course of a person’s life; resume

de facto –       from the fact

ductus exemplo – leadership by example

veteran — retired from office

ergo – therefore

et alii – and others (This is often abbreviated as et al.)

et cetera – and the others (This is usually written as etc.)

et tu, Brute? – You, too, Brutus

These were the last words of Julius Caesar before he was murdered by his friend Brutus. Today, this expression is used to convey utter betrayal.