Numerous Latin phrases and abbreviations have endured the test of time to still feature in English today, especially in the field of business and law.
Yet many of them are incorrectly used, largely because people don’t always understand their specific purpose and meaning.
So, to make sure you get top marks next time you drop one of these Latin phrases into your writing or conversation, here’s a quick recap of what they mean (along with their direct translations).
addendum (‘that which is to be added’) = an extra item added at the end of a book or text
ad hoc (‘to this’) = formed, arranged or done for a specific, immediate purpose
ad infinitum (‘to infinity’) = endlessly, forever
ad nauseam (‘to the point of disgust’) = repeating something until it makes one (feel) sick
alter ego (‘another I’) = another (secret) identity
bona fide (‘good faith’) = authentic, genuine, sincere
carpe diem = seize the day
caveat emptor (‘let the buyer beware’) = it’s the buyer’s responsibility to check out an item before purchase
ergo = therefore (best known from the phrase “Cogito, ergo sum” meaning “I think, therefore I am”)
in loco parentis (‘in place of a parent’) = assuming the authority and responsibilities of a parent in a legal capacity
in situ (‘in position’) = in the original or appropriate position
mea culpa (‘my guilt’) = my fault
per capita (‘by heads’) = per person
per se (‘through itself’) = by, in or of itself; intrinsically
persona non grata (‘person not pleasing) = an unwelcome or undesirable person
pro bono (‘for the good’) = work undertaken without compensation
pro forma (‘for the sake of form’) = as a matter of form or politeness; a standard document or form
pro rata (‘for the rate’) = in proportion
re (‘by the thing’) = referring to; regarding
quid pro quo (‘something for something’ or ‘this for that’) = a favour or advantage granted in exchange for something else
sic (‘thus’) = just so; used to indicate that a preceding quotation is copied exactly, including any spelling, grammatical or factual mistakes
stet (‘let it stand’) = used as an instruction on a printed proof to ignore a correction
status quo (‘the state in which’) = the existing state of affairs
tempus fugit = time flies
terra firma (‘solid land’) = solid ground
verbatim (‘word for word’) = in exactly the same words as were used originally
vice versa (‘with position turned’) = the other way around
vox populi = voice of the people
Over to you
Have you any favourite Latin phrases that you’re particularly fond of? Or did you learn any new ones here? Please do let me know in the comments.
(Photo courtesy of Simon Howden via Freedigitalphotos.net)
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