Latin phrases

Bona fide

While its literal translation means "good faith" this term has a few different shades of meaning in modern language. It is used to represent something that is presented without deception or fraud, or literally in good faith, honest, sincere and lawful. It is also, as a plural noun, used to mean credentials. Authentic, credentials.

Curriculum vitae

A _____________ _______ (often called a CV) is a way to describe a resume. While it means literally "the course of one's life" the terms is applied to mean a short list of your accomplishments and training. Brief account of education and accomplishments

Ibidem (ibid):

Another abbreviated term, this word is more commonly seen in research writing in the form of "___." From the Latin for "in the same place" it is found in footnotes and bibliographies to designate that the same source has been cited twice in succession. In the same place.

Alter ego

Cicero coined this term, most likely taken from the Greek, to mean "a second self" or "another I" and its modern meaning hasn't changed much today. Many people have an ____ ____, or another, perhaps hidden aspect of themselves. Alternative personality

Et cetera

Few out there aren't familiar with this term but may not know it as well when it's spelled out like this and not abbreviated as etc. Meaning "and the others" it is used to denote that a list of things could continue forever, and that, for the sake of brevity, it's better to just wrap things up with a simple etc. And the others.

Sic

Found in writing, this Latin word most commonly finds a home in brackets (like this: [___]) when quoting a statement or writing. It indicates that there is a spelling or grammar error in the original quotation and that the publication has reproduced it faithfully, not made an error of their own. Exactly as in the original.

Status quo

From the Latin meaning "the state in which" this term is used today to designate the existing state or condition of things. For example, if you're making money off of a high pollution industry it is to your interests to maintain the status quo when it comes to environmental law. Existing state of affairs.

Ad hoc

From the Latin meaning "to this," this term gained popularity in the mid- 1600s and is still used today. It refers to something that is formed or done quickly to meets the needs of a particular problem or issue without regard to a more general application and generally lacking advance planning. Done quickly to meets the needs of a particular problem.

Vice versa

From the Latin meaning "to turn around," this term means to reverse the order of something. This quote from Samuel Butler provides an example, "In the midst of vice we are in virtue, and _______." The Reverse of.

Persona non grata

From the Latin meaning an "unacceptable person" this term designates someone who's no longer welcome in a social or business situation. Unacceptable person.

Verbatim

If you repeat something ______ you repeat it in exactly the same words, word for word, with no changes and no improvisation. Exactly—word for word.

Mea culpa

If you want to admit your own guilt or wrongdoing in a situation, use this Latin phrase that translates literally to "my fault." It's a fancier, more traditional way of saying "my bad." My fault.

In vino veritas

If you're old enough to drink or have been around others who have imbibed, you're more than likely already familiar with the wisdom behind this quote from Pliny the Elder meaning, "in wine there is the truth." In wine there is truth.

De facto

In Latin, __ ______ means "from the fact" and in English it is often used to distinguish what is supposed to be the case from what is actually the reality. For example, legally, employers are not allowed to discriminate in hiring because of age, but many still practice __ ______discrimination. In reality, in fact.

Quasi

In Latin, this word means "as if" or "as though" and in English it is used as both an adjective in its own right and as a part of a compound word. It simply designates something that resembles something else but doesn't quite have all the same features. Seemingly, partly.

Deus ex machina

In direct translation, this term means, "God out of a machine" and it harkens back ancient Greek and Roman plays. When the plot would become too tangled or confusing, the writers would simply bring in a god, lowered in via a pulley system (the machine) and he would wrap it all up. Today, it's still used in literature to describe a plot where an artificial or improbable means of resolving a conflict is used. God out of a machine.

Quid pro quo

It's often used to describe an exchange of value necessary for a contract to take place. From the Latin meaning "this for that." Something in exchange for something.

Per diem

Meaning "by the day," a __ ____ in most uses today designates a daily allowance used in traveling for work. It can also mean a per-day rate or that someone is paid on a daily basis. Other common similar terms are per annum (by the year) and per capita (by the person.) By the day.

Ipso facto

Meaning "by the fact itself" this commonly used and misused term denotes when something is true by its very nature. If you don't feed your dog you are ____ _____ a bad owner. By the fact itself.

Ante bellum

Means in the most basic sense "before the war" and while it can be applied to any war it is most commonly used to refer to the American Civil War and the ___________ Era the preceded it. Before the war.

In vitro

Most students will be familiar with this term because of modern fertility treatments. In Latin, in vitro means "in glass" and any biological process that occurs in the laboratory rather than in the body or a natural setting can be called __ ____. In glass.

Ergo

Simply put, ____means "therefore" and you can exchange it with therefore or hence in any sentence and maintain the same meaning. For example, you could say, "I think, ____ I am." Therefore.

Alma mater

The literal translation is "dear/bountiful mother" but you'll find it used in everyday language to denote the college or university from which one has graduated. University that granted degree.

Subpoena

The word ______________comes from the Latin meaning "under penalty" and if someone delivers a ___________ to you have to respond or they'll be some big penalties under the law. Under penalty.

Tabula rasa

This Latin phrase means "clean slate" and denotes something (like a child's mind) or someone not affected by experiences and impressions. Clean slate.

Magnum opus

This Latin term denotes the greatest work done by an artist-- a true masterpiece. The greatest work done by an artist.

Carpe diem

This well-known phrase comes from a poem by Horace. While there are arguments about the exact translation, it is most commonly held to mean "seize the day" encouraging individuals to live life to the fullest today without expectation of a tomorrow. Seize the day.

Exempli gratia (e.g.)

You'll often see this term abbreviated to e.g. in writing. It means "for the sake of example" and when it see it in a sentence you can expect that is will be followed by some examples. For example.

Et alii (et al)

You're unlikely to encounter this phrase in its unabbreviated form, and will most likely only ever see it as __ __ when included. This is also a term that is found in footnotes and bibliographies which allows writers to refer to a large number of authors without having to write each name out (for example, you could say that your source is Jones __ __.) Among others.

Id est (i.e.)

You've likely seen this term in writing before, even if you weren't aware as it is commonly abbreviated to i.e. In Latin, it means "that is" and is used in English when the speaker or writer wants to give an example or explanation that specifies a statement. That is to say...(clarification)

Pro bono

___ ____ means "for the good" and it's a term used to designate when something is done free of charge. While the term can be applied in any field, it is most commonly used to describe legal services given, for free, to the needy. For the good.

Ad nauseam

is used to describe an argument that has been taking place to the point of nausea, often with the same arguments being rehashed over and over for years until everyone, except a select few, are simply sick of the whole thing. Done or repeated too often.

Per se

means "by itself" when used in English. You could use it to say that you don't find AP Bio boring ____ (by itself, intrinsically), but that Mr. Thiel's voice puts you to sleep. Intrinsically.

In vivo

means "within the living" and defines clinical or biological trials done in living bodies. Within the living.

Terra firma

means firm ground, and you might be thankful to be back on it after a trip through the air or rough waters. Firm ground.