Many Latin expressions are still used in English, though in written language rather than spoken one. Although you may not need to utilise Latin terms yourself, yet knowing how to recognise them is useful.
Here’s a list of some of the most common Latin words and phrases that can impress your friends 👇🏾
| Latin expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ad hoc | formed or done for a particular purpose only |
| ad nauseam | repeating or continuing to the point of boredom |
| ad lib/libitum | as you desire, at one’s pleasure |
| alibi | elsewhere |
| alma mater | a school, college, or university which one has attended or from which one has graduated |
| bona fide | with good faith |
| carpe diem | seize the day |
| caveat | beware, disclaimer |
| circa | approximately |
| consensus | general agreement |
| cum laude | with honour |
| curriculum vitae (CV) | list of significant academic and professional accomplishments, achievements, awards, education, and training |
| de facto | in fact, in reality |
| ergo | therefore |
| et cetera/etc | and so on |
| ex libris | from the library |
| habeas corpus | a court order instructing that a person under arrest be brought before a judge |
| in situ | in its original place |
| lingua franca | common language |
| per annum | for each year |
| per capita | for each person |
| post-mortem | examination of a body after death |
| prima facie | on its face |
| re | about, concerning, regarding |
| quid pro quo | favour or advantage given or expected in return for something |
| status quo | existing state of affairs |
| tabula rasa | clean slate |
| verbatim | in exactly the same words |
| versus/vs. | against |
| vice versa | the other way round |
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