Academics — PMAQ Flashcards

Question

Give the literal translation for the Latin phrase *verbatim*.

Answer 1

Literal meaning: word for word ## Footnote Fun Fact: In Latin *verbum* means not "verb," but "word," and the ending *–tim* is used for some adverbs. You may remember the word *seriatim*, which means "in series," and *statim* that means "immediately." An exact quotation is *verbatim*. There is another Latin word *literatim*, which means "letter by letter," or "literally."

Answer 2

Literal translation: way of living, lifestyle ## Footnote Fun Fact: The Latin verb *vivo* means “live,” and *vivendi* is a form of *vivo*. The English word “vivacious,” meaning “lively,” is a derivative of *vivo*.

Answer 3

*libra* Literal translation: weight More common meaning: pound Fun Fact: A pound is a measure of weight that is the equivalent of sixteen ounces or about half a kilogram. Look for the abbreviation *lb* on packages of sugar or flour next time you are in a grocery store. It is the abbreviation of the Latin word *libra* that means “pound.” In England or Scotland, the abbreviation *L* stands for a pound sterling.

Answer 4

Literal translation: by itself ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Per se* is a very common expression in English. Latin students have probably learned that the preposition *per* means "through," but you can see that per is translated "by" in expressions like *per diem*, *per capita*, and *per se*.

Answer 5

*noli mentiri* Literal translation: don’t lie

Answer 6

*quod Deus vult fiet* Literal translation: what God wants will be

Answer 7

*pro lusu et praeda* Literal translation: for sport and spoil

Answer 8

*id est* Literal translation: that is More common meaning: in other words Fun Fact: *Id est* is a very common Latin expression found in everyday English. Be careful not to confuse i.e. with e.g., which means “for example.”

Answer 9

*virtute et armis* Literal translation: by courage and arms Fun Fact: *Virtute* looks like the English word "virtue," but actually means "courage" in Latin. *Armis* is a form of *arma*, the word for "weapons" we saw in the motto of Wyoming, *cedant arma togae*. The English word "armament" is a cognate.

Answer 10

Literal translation: peace (be) with you ## Footnote Fun Fact: Do you remember *cum laude*, the Latin phrase which means “with praise?” Notice that here *cum*, the word for “with,” is attached to the end of the word *vobis*. A similar Latin phrase is *pax nobiscum* meaning “Peace (be) with us.”

Answer 11

Literal translation: wise human More common meaning: human being Fun Fact: In the eighteenth century a Swedish botanist named Karl von Linne developed a system of classification for all living plants and animals. He gave each specimen two Latin names. In von Linne’s system of binomial nomenclature *homo sapiens* is a human being. *Homo* in Latin means “human being,” and *sapiens* means “wise.” Von Linne used Latin for his system because Latin was the international language of scholars and scientists at that time. He also took a Latinized form of his own name: Carolus Linnaeus.

Answer 12

*per centum* Literal translation: out of each hundred Fun Fact: This phrase is usually shortened in English and written as one word: "percent." English words like "cent" and "century" are derived from *centum*.

Answer 13

Literal translation: slip of the tongue ## Footnote Fun Fact: The English word “linguist,” which means an expert in languages, comes from the Latin word *lingua* meaning “tongue.”

Answer 14

Literal translation: arms and the man I sing More common meaning: I tell of wars and a hero Fun Fact: The opening words of the great Roman epic poem, the *Aeneid*, are “*Arma virumque cano*”. *Arma* is a reference to the fighting that Aeneas, the hero of the *Aeneid*, endures, and *virum* or “man” refers to Aeneas himself. We derive the English word “virile” meaning “manly” from this Latin word. Notice that the syllable *-que* is added to *virum* to mean “and.”

Answer 15

*fortes fortuna juvat* Literal translation: fortune helps the brave

Answer 16

Literal translation: in series ## Footnote Fun Fact: The letters *–tim* are an adverbial ending in Latin, so another way to translate *seriatim* is "serially."

Answer 17

*ibidem* Literal translation: in the same place Fun Fact: *Ibidem* or its abbreviation *ibid.* is used in footnotes when the book has been cited earlier.

Answer 18

*urbs in horto* Literal translation: a city in a garden

Answer 19

*terras irradient* Literal translation: they will light up the lands Fun Fact: You can see that the English word "radiant," which means "shining," is related to irradient. It is interesting that this motto still has the theme of light even though it does not include either lux or lumen.

Answer 20

*Numen lumen* Literal translation: God (is) light ## Footnote Fun Fact: Remember that *numen* meant "God" or "Providence" in the motto of Colorado, *nil sine Numine*, "nothing without God"? If you do, it will be easy for you to remember that numen means "God" in this motto. *Lumen* is also an interesting word choice. It means "light," but it refers to lamplight while *lux* is daylight. "Lumen" is actually an English word for a unit of measurement used for light emission. "Luminous" in English means "bright" or "shining."

Answer 21

*nil sine Numine* Literal translation: nothing without God Fun Fact: "Nil" means nothing in English as well as in Latin. You can also think of the English expres- sion "willy-nilly," which is short for "will he (want to do something), nil he (not want to do it at all)." *Numine* is an interesting word because it is related to the Latin verb *nuo*, "to nod." We saw a compound of this verb in the motto *Annuit coeptis* meaning "He (God) has favored our undertakings." You might wonder what nodding has to do with favoring, but the Romans believed that a divinity showed favor by nodding approval. "Numinous" is an English adjec- tive meaning "supernatural." You might see it in a description of a special place that has a numinous atmosphere.

Answer 22

*si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice* Literal translation: if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around Fun Fact: You can see why this motto was chosen for Michigan if you know that the state actually is a peninsula. The English word "peninsula" comes from two Latin words, *paene* meaning "almost" and *insula* meaning "island." This makes sense when you consider that a peninsu- la really would be an island if it had water on four sides instead of only three. Another inter- esting derivative comes from the Latin word *amoenam* meaning "pleasant." The English word "amenity" means "something that is pleasant but not essential." Heated towel racks might be an example of an amenity advertised in a real estate listing.

Answer 23

*regnat populus* Literal translation: the people rule Fun Fact: Do you know the phrase *Senatus Populusque Romanus*, which means the "Senate and People of Rome?" If so, you will recognize the Latin word *populus*. The first syllable of *regnat* appears in many English words that relate to ruling or to kings and queens. "Regalia," for example, means "elegant attire worn for special occasions."

Answer 24

*nihil per os* Literal translation: nothing by mouth Fun Fact: *Nihil* meaning “nothing” gives us the English word “annihilate,” which means “to destroy completely.”

Answer 25

*sic semper tyrannis* Literal translation: thus always to tyrants Fun Fact: When you hear the word *tyrannis*, you might think of the dinosaur *Tyrannosaurus Rex*, but the motto of Virginia has nothing to do with dinosaurs! Instead, an actual tyrant is shown on the state seal. He is lying on the ground, and a fierce warrior woman is standing with her foot on his neck. The woman represents *Virtus*, the spirit of Virginia. *Virtus* in Latin means "courage." *Sic* can be used in English to mean "thus," "in this way." When there is a grammar mistake in a quotation, the writer who is making the citation will add *sic* to show that the error came from the person being quoted, not from the writer. Finally, you can remember that *semper* means "always" if you remember the motto of West Virginia, *montani semper liberi* (mountain people are always free).

Answer 26

*curare* Literal translation: to care for

Answer 27

*et cetera* Literal translation: and the rest ## Footnote Fun Fact: If you have seen the musical “The King and I,” you will remember the king shouting, “*Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!*” Latin students will recognize that *cetera* is neuter plural.

Answer 28

Literal translation: in memory ## Footnote Fun Fact: This phrase can be found on the obituary page of a newspaper. Latin students who know that *in* with the accusative means “into” will notice that *in* does NOT translate “into” in this phrase even though *memoriam* is accusative.

Answer 29

Literal meaning: foolish fire More common meaning: will-o’-the-wisp, something misleading Fun Fact: When swamp gas catches fire spontaneously, the fire is called a will-o’-the-wisp. People sometimes follow an *ignis fatuus* or swamp fire thinking they are following an actual beacon or lamp. The word for “fire” in Latin is *ignis*, and *fatuus* means “foolish.” Think of the English words “ignite” and “fatuous” to help you remember this expression.

Answer 30

Literal translation: what now More common meaning: a busybody Fun Fact: *Quid* in Latin means "what," and nunc means "now." Someone who is always asking, "What now?" is probably eager to learn the latest gossip and can be called a *quidnunc*.

Answer 31

Literal translation: unknown land More common meaning: undiscovered territory Fun Fact: Old maps labeled in Latin sometimes have large blank areas marked *terra incognita*. These lands were unknown: they had not yet been explored. *Incognita* is obviously related to the English word "incognito." If someone is traveling incognito, he or she is in disguise and does not want anyone to recognize who he is. He has probably taken an alias, another name. Remember that the first syllable of "**al**ibi" comes from *alius* meaning "another."

Answer 32

Literal translation: cause of war ## Footnote Fun Fact: Remember the word *bellum* from the phrase *ante bellum*? Here is another form of the word. The English word “bellicose” meaning “warlike” is a derivative of *bellum*.

Answer 33

*versus* Literal translation: against Fun Fact: You probably know the word *versus* from the names of court cases like Brown *versus* Board of Education or descriptions of contests between opposing teams like the Redskins *versus* the Cowboys.

Answer 34

*statim* Literal translation: immediately Fun Fact: Remember the adverb *seriatim*? Here is another example of a Latin adverb ending in the letters *–tim*.

Answer 35

Literal meaning: I will please More common meaning: an inactive medicine given merely to satisfy a patient Fun Fact: When scientists want to examine the effects of a new medication, they give a certain number of people in the study a sugar pill instead of the new medicine. The sugar pill is called a *placebo* because sometimes it seems to please the patients as much as the real medicine. Improvement that occurs because patients believe they have received medication is called a *placebo* effect.

Answer 36

Literal translation: a sound mind in a sound body ## Footnote Fun Fact: It is easy to remember *sana* and *sano* if you think of their English opposite: “insane.” You have seen *corpore* in another form in expressions like *habeas corpus* and *corpus delicti*.

Answer 37

Literal translation: O the times! O the customs! ## Footnote Fun Fact: In English, “mores” means “morals” as well as “customs.”

Answer 38

Literal translation: holy of holies More common meaning: a very private place Fun Fact: In English, "sanctify" means "to make holy," so you can easily remember that both *sanctum* and *sanctorum* are forms of the Latin adjective *sanctus* meaning "holy."

Answer 39

Literal translation: thus ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Sic* is a word you often see in direct quotations to indicate that a mistake in spelling or grammar came from the source, not from the writer or reporter.

Answer 40

Literal translation: farthest Thule More common meaning: the farthest point, the limit of any journey Fun Fact: *Ultima Thule* was believed by the Romans to be the farthest point north. It is interesting to note that in modern times a city in Greenland was actually given the name Thule.

Answer 41

Literal translation: let it stand ## Footnote Fun Fact: When a manuscript is being prepared for publication, an editor writes stet on a page that has been corrected. *Stet* shows that the page should stand as written, in other words, that no more corrections need to be made to that page. *Stet* can also be used if the editor later decides to ignore an earlier correction. Then *stet* means that the original version should stand.

Answer 42

Literal translation: in a vacuum More common meaning: in emptiness, without considering other factors ## Footnote Fun Fact: In Latin the word for empty is *vacuus*. It has two “u”s in many of its forms, and that is why the English word “vacuum” has two “u”s.

Answer 43

Literal translation: a rare bird More common meaning: an unusual person Fun Fact: A zoo usually has an aviary, a large cage for birds, and an aviator is someone who flies. Both of these English words come from the Latin word *avis*.

Answer 44

Literal translation: the condition in which things (were) before ## Footnote Fun Fact: You sometimes see this expression with the word *ante* omitted. Then it means the condition in which things (are) (now).

Answer 45

Literal translation: the decision stands ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Stare* is the infinitive of the Latin verb "to stand," and you can see that *decisis* is the root of the English word "decision."

Answer 46

*noli me tangere* Literal translation: don’t touch me

Answer 47

*esse quam videri* Literal translation: to be rather than to seem Fun Fact: In English the unconjugated form of a verb has two parts: "to" plus the verb. This form is called an "infinitive." For example, the infinitive of "love" is "to love." In Latin, present infini- tives are all one word so *esse* and *videri* are both infinitives. Notice that we translate both infinitives with "to." The English word "essence" is a derivative of *esse*, and this motto clear- ly emphasizes the importance of what people are inside, not what is e**vid**ent on the outside. Their **esse**nce is what matters!

Answer 48

Literal translation: amazing to say ## Footnote Fun Fact: Vergil, the author of the Roman epic the *Aeneid*, uses this expression whenever his hero encounters something marvelous, like a monster or a god or a ghost.

Answer 49

Literal translation: nothing must be despaired of More common meaning: never give up Fun Fact: *Nil* is a shortened form of *nihil*. Sometimes people use the word nil instead of zero when they are giving scores of games. You might hear someone say, “The score was 8 – *nil*,” instead of “The score was 8 to zero.”

Answer 50

*fortiter, feliciter, fideliter* Literal translation: bravely, happily, faithfully Fun Fact: These three adverbs rhyme! Notice that they all end in *–ter*; another adverbial ending is *-e* as you can see in the Madeira motto *Festina lente*. It is interesting that each of the roots of these adverbs gives us an English derivative: "fortitude" means "bravery" or "courage," "felicity" means "happiness," and "fidelity" means "faithfulness."

Answer 51

Literal translation: elsewhere More common meaning: defense of being elsewhere when a crime was committed Fun Fact: To a Roman the word *alibi* was an adverb formed from “*al*,” short for *alius* meaning “other” and *ibi* meaning “there, in that place.” Today a person accused of a crime has a strong defense if he has an *alibi* that confirms that he was in another place at the time the crime was committed.

Answer 52

Literal translation: without which not More common meaning: the essential element, a necessity Fun Fact: You have seen the Latin word *sine* in the expressions *sine die* and *sine loco*; this new phrase, thus, will be easy to remember.

Answer 53

Literal translation: guardian spirit of a place ## Footnote Fun Fact: The Romans believed that spirits inhabited all sorts of inanimate objects like doorways and trees. It is no surprise to discover that they believed a place with a special feeling or atmosphere had its own *genius loci*.

Answer 54

Literal translation: no one is above the law ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Nemo* in Latin means “no one.” Jules Verne’s Captain Nemo and Disney’s animated fish have the same name, so this should be an easy expression to learn.

Answer 55

Literal translation: in one’s own right More common meaning: having full legal capacity, i.e., not a child Fun Fact: You can see the root of the English word "jury" in the Latin word for "law" or "right." Latin students know that a Roman, whose alphabet did not include the letter j would have written *iuris*, instead of *juris*.

Answer 56

*cedant arma togae* Literal translation: let arms yield to the toga More common meaning: let war yield to peace Fun Fact: You have probably seen pictures or statues of Roman orators wearing robes called togas. The toga was considered the national garment of Rome, and the right to wear one was accorded to male Roman citizens only. The poet Vergil proudly called the Romans the *gens togata*, the toga wearing people. Other nations were scornfully known as the *bracati*, the trouser wear- ing people. Togas were made of wool and were long enough to wrap around the wearer twice. They were held in place by careful draping, never with pins. Thus, a man wearing a toga had to keep it in place with his left hand. Some wealthy Roman households actually included a valet called a *vestiplicus* who was skilled in the art of draping a toga. Because a toga was so bulky and difficult to keep in place, it was completely unsuitable for a soldier. In this motto, "toga" is used to symbolize peace while *arma* or "weapons" stand for "war."

Answer 57

*pro patria vivere et mori* Literal translation: to live and die for (one’s) country

Answer 58

Literal translation: out of more (ingredients) one (stew) More common meaning: out of many (backgrounds) one (nation)/out of many (states) one (nation) ## Footnote Fun Fact: You probably recognize these words as the motto of the United States. You can see the motto on the penny, the dollar bill, and the Great Seal of the United States. We sometimes speak about the United States as a melting pot society; thus it is interesting that the Romans used this expression to describe a dish like stew.

Answer 59

*montani semper liberi* Literal translation: mountain people (are) always free Fun Fact: *Montani* looks like its meaning, but *semper* is hard to remember unless you know the English word "sempiternal", which means "always, forever." *Liberi* begins with the same syl- lables as "liberty."

Answer 60

*lux fiat* Literal translation: let there be light Fun Fact: We just saw *lux* in the motto of Yale, and here we have an echo of the words from the book of Genesis. It is interesting that "fiat" is a verb in Latin but a noun in English, which means an "order" or "decree."

Answer 61

Literal translation: no more beyond More common meaning: the pinnacle, the top Fun Fact: If you are the best at something, you cannot go beyond your summit of achievement; you are the *ne plus ultra*!

Answer 62

*e pluribus unum* Literal translation: out of more one More common meaning: one out of many Fun Fact: To Romans long ago this phrase was a description of stew or soup, one dish made from lots of different ingredients. To Americans today this motto is a reminder that our nation is made up of people from many different backgrounds and cultures. Another way to look at the phrase is to remember that we have one federal government made up of many states. You will see these Latin words on the Great Seal of the United States. They are also on the dollar bill, the penny, and the quarter.

Answer 63

Literal translation: in wine (there is) truth ## Footnote Fun Fact: This expression is a reminder that when people drink too much, they may become so uninhibited that they speak more bluntly than usual.

Answer 64

Literal meaning: go with me More common meaning: a reference book or handbook carried at all times Fun Fact: Notice that the Latin preposition *cum*, which means "with," comes after the word *me*. We saw the same kind of reversed word order in the phrase *pax vobiscum*.

Answer 65

Literal translation: from the new More common meaning: anew ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Novo* is a form of *novus*, the Latin word for “new.” You can see that the English word “novice,” which means “beginner,” is related to *novus*.

Answer 66

*non mihi, sed Deo et reg* Literal translation: not for me, but for God and for king

Answer 67

*veritas* Literal translation: truth Fun Fact: "Verity" meaning an "established truth," like "veracious," is an English derivative of *veritas*. If you read the Harry Potter books, you may remember a potion called "veritaserum," which makes people tell the truth.

Answer 68

Literal translation: we (who are) about to die salute you ## Footnote Fun Fact: Sometimes the phrase, *Ave Caesar*, “Hail Caesar,” is given as the first part of this expression. Gladiators were indeed expected to fight to the death. You can see that *morituri* is related to *mortuis* and *mori*, words you already know from other expressions.

Answer 69

Literal translation: he who is silent consents More common meaning: (One) who is silent consents Fun Fact: When you say nothing, you are giving approval silently. The English word "tacit" means "silent."

Answer 70

Literal translation: on one’s own behalf More common meaning: in one’s own defense Fun Fact: Most people want a lawyer to defend them if they are charged with a crime, but occasionally someone wants to mount a defense *pro se*. Don’t confuse *pro se* (on one’s own behalf) with *per se* (by itself, intrinsically)!

Answer 71

*non vi, sed mente* Literal translation: not by force, but by mind

Answer 72

*resquiescat in pace* Literal translation: may he/she rest in peace Fun Fact: It is interesting that *R.I.P.* stands for "rest in peace" in both Latin and English. *R.I.P.* often appears on gravestones.

Answer 73

*nunc aut numquam* Literal translation: now or never

Answer 74

*descende ad terram* Literal translation: descend to earth

Answer 75

Literal translation: from what is done afterward More common meaning: retroactively, subsequently Fun Fact: When a new law or regulation goes into effect, it is not fair to apply the new ruling to an action performed before the new rule was in place. The U.S. constitution specifically forbids such *ex post facto* laws.

Answer 76

*justitia omnibus* Literal translation: justice for all Fun Fact: *Justitia* looks like its English counterpart, and *omnibus* is translated ‘for all" because Latin words ending in the letters *–bus* often include an English preposition like "to" or "for" when they are translated. "Omnibus" is actually an English word, which means an "anthology of **all** the works of a particular author." Long ago, "omnibus" had a different meaning in English: it meant a large carriage big enough to transport lots of people at one time. It was useful "for all." Nowadays, we use the ending of the word to mean a big vehicle. We call it a bus.

Answer 77

*lux et veritas* Literal translation: light and truth Fun Fact: *Lux*, which means "light," is often part of mottoes of schools and colleges because it sym- bolizes the power of education to lighten the darkness of ignorance. The Latin word *lux* has other forms in which the *x* changes to a c. This helps us understand a word like "translu- cent," which means "allowing light to enter." *Veritas* or "truth" is another favorite theme of school mottoes. You may know the English word "veracious," which means "truthful."

Answer 78

Literal translation: burden of proving More common meaning: burden of proof Fun Fact: This legal expression is easy to recognize if you know that the letters *b* and *v* are closely related. You can also think of the English word “probation,” which means a period of time during which a person is proving his worth. Another English derivative is the word “approbation,” which means “approval.”

Answer 79

*annuit coeptis* Literal translation: He (God) has nodded at our undertakings More common meaning: He (God) has favored our undertakings Fun Fact: When you look at a dollar bill, you will see two other Latin phrases besides *E Pluribus Unum*. Both are quotations from the great Roman poet Vergil. *Annuit Coeptis* comes from Book 9 of the *Aeneid*, Vergil’s epic poem about the founding of Rome. It is interesting that *annuit* lit- erally means "nods," but it comes to mean, "nods agreement" or "nods favor." *Coeptis* is relat- ed to the verb *coepi* meaning "to begin."

Answer 80

Literal translation: with highest praise ## Footnote Fun Fact: Like *cum laude* and *magna cum laude*, *summa cum laude* is a mark of academic distinction. *Summa cum laude* is awarded to graduates with the highest grade point averages.

Answer 81

Literal translation: great work More common use: masterpiece ## Footnote Fun Fact: A craftsman in the Middle Ages was required to serve first as an apprentice and then as a journeyman as he perfected his skills. In order to become a master craftsman he was expected to create a work worthy of a master. The word for “work” in Latin is *opus*. A work of classical music is classified by *opus* number, and you may have seen a movie about a music teacher called *Mr. Holland’s Opus*.

Answer 82

*ab initium* Literal translation: from the beginning Fun Fact: *Initium* means “beginning” in Latin. This is easy to learn if you remember that your initial **begins** your name and that an initiation is a ceremony for people who are **beginning** to participate in an activity.

Answer 83

Literal meaning: I came, I saw, I conquered More common meaning: a piece of cake, a slam dunk Fun Fact: Julius Caesar wrote these three verbs in a famous dispatch announcing a victory he had won in battle against Pharnaces, King of Pontus. Today the phrase means an easy victory of any kind.

Answer 84

Literal translation: of its own kind More common meaning: unique Fun Fact: In Linnaeus’ system of binomial nomenclature, each plant and animal has both a *genus* and a *species* name. The Latin word *genus* means "kind" or "sort," and *sui* means "of its own."

Answer 85

Literal translation: under the rose More common meaning: secretly Fun Fact: If you have a secret to tell and you are very anxious not to be overheard, you might go outside in the garden where no one is likely to eavesdrop on your conversation.

Answer 86

*festina lente* Literal translation: make haste slowly Fun Fact: This expression is associated with the Emperor Augustus who changed the whole Roman system of government over a period of many years. While the phrase may seem to be a par- adox, we really are saying the same thing when we say, "Haste makes waste."

Answer 87

*Senatus Populusque Romanus* Literal translation: The Senate and the People of Rome Fun Fact: This famous phrase embodies the power of the Roman Republic. Notice that the word for "and" is the syllable *–que* attached to the end of *Populus*. In Rome today, you see the letters *S.P.Q.R.* on manhole covers, trashcans, and street lights. None of these, of course, existed in ancient times. They were installed during the 1920’s and 1930’s when the Fascist dictator Mussolini ruled Italy.

Answer 88

*semper paratus* Literal translation: always prepared

Answer 89

*ad astra per aspera* Literal translation: to the stars through difficulties Fun Fact: English words like "astronomy," "astrology," "astronaut" all are derived from the Latin word *astra*, which means "stars." A flower called an aster looks like a star and so does the symbol \* which is known as an asterisk. *Aspera* literally means "rough" or "difficult" in Latin, but it sounds better in English to translate it as the noun "difficulty." You may know the English word "asperity," which means "sharpness" or "roughness." You might speak with asperity to someone who has annoyed you. It is interesting that the motto of the Royal Air Force, per ardua ad astra can also be translated "To the stars through difficulties."

Answer 90

Literal translation: with praise, with honor ## Footnote Fun Fact: This Latin phrase appears on diplomas of outstanding students who have maintained a certain grade point average. The English word “laud,” meaning “praise,” comes from this Latin root, as does “laudatory,” meaning “praiseworthy,” and “laudable,” meaning “commendable.”

Answer 91

Literal translation: the law does not care about the smallest things More common meaning: the law is not concerned with trifles ## Footnote Fun Fact: This maxim means that a court will not listen to frivolous suits. The phrase is also used in science to describe a negligible amount of a substance. If, for example, a food has only trace amounts of a contaminant, the level is regarded as *de minimis*, and the food is considered pure.

Answer 92

Literal translation: be mindful of dying More common meaning: remember (that you) are mortal ## Footnote Fun Fact: In English a memento is a souvenir, while in Latin *memento* is an imperative verb meaning “remember.” The phrase *dulce et decorum est pro patria mori* will help you remember that *mori* means “to die.” A victorious Roman general celebrating his military success with an elaborate parade rode in a chariot. Behind him stood a servant who repeated the words *memento mori* so that the general would remain humble and not begin to think of himself as a god.

Answer 93

*et alia* Literal translation: and the others ## Footnote Fun Fact: Do you remember the word *alibi*? Now, remember that the syllable “al” means “other,” and this will be an easy phrase to learn. *Et al.* is used in bibliographies when a book or article has a long list of joint authors. *Alia* is the neuter plural form of the Latin word *alius*, and Latin students may know that *alii* is the masculine plural, and *aliae* the feminine plural.

Answer 94

*noli irritare leonem* Literal translation: do not irritate a lion

Answer 95

Literal translation: nothing is made from nothing ## Footnote Fun Fact: This phrase states the obvious; zero plus zero equals zero is another way to say the same thing in English. The phrase also reminds us that nothing is free, and you have to work for what you get.

Answer 96

Literal translation: hail and farewell More common meaning: hello and good-bye Fun Fact: The Roman poet Catullus used these words in a poem addressed to his dead brother. Today a **vale**dictorian gives a farewell speech to say “*ave atque vale*” at a graduation ceremony.

Answer 97

*arbor potestas* Literal translation: tree power

Answer 98

Literal translation: new order of the ages More common meaning: new world order Fun Fact: This quotation comes from the *Bucolics* of Vergil, and it is an especially appropriate phrase to describe the United States whose democracy was an entirely new form of government. Latin students may have learned the word *saeculum* meaning “age” or “generation.” *Seclorum* is the genitive plural of *saeculum*, but the dipthong *ae* has been simplified to the letter *e*, and the *u* has dropped out.

Answer 99

Literal translation: into the midst of things ## Footnote Fun Fact: The opening scenes of an ancient epic like the *Iliad* or the *Odyssey*, can be confusing because the story picks up in the middle of the action.

Answer 100

*excelsior* Literal translation: higher Fun Fact: Have you ever sung a Christmas carol with the refrain, *Gloria in excelsis Deo*? Those Latin words mean "Glory to God in the highest." Here, *excelsior* is another form of *excelsis*. It is called a comparative because you use it when you compare two things. Notice that in Latin comparatives end in *–ior* while in English they end in *–er*.

Answer 101

*quod vide* Literal translation: which see More common meaning: refer to Fun Fact: Like *confer* (*cf.*), *quod vide* (*q.v.*) appears in dictionaries and encyclopedias to guide readers to other related entries in the same reference book.

Answer 102

*ad infinitum* Literal translation: to the infinite More common meaning: endlessly Fun Fact: The Latin word *finis* means “end,” and the prefix *in* means “without.” Thus *in*+*finis* means “without an end” or “endless.” The English word “infinite” means exactly the same thing.

Answer 103

*qui transtulit sustinet* Literal translation: He (God) who transplanted sustains Fun Fact: Connecticut was one of the original thirteen colonies that became the United States, and the state motto reminds us that the first colonists were "transplanted" from England. "To sustain" means "to maintain."

Answer 104

Literal translation: foster child More common meaning: graduate of a school or college Fun Fact: The Latin word for a boy cared for by an *alma mater* is *alumnus*; for a girl the Latin word is *alumna*. Similarly, in English, a boy or man who graduates from a school or college is an *alumnus* (plural: *alumni*) while a girl or woman graduate is an *alumna* (plural: *alumnae*).

Answer 105

*facta non verba* Literal translation: deeds not words

Answer 106

Literal translation: You also, Brutus? Even you, Brutus? ## Footnote Fun Fact: Caesar is thought to have recognized his friend and former ally Brutus among his assassins. Notice that Brutus’s name changes to *Brute* in Latin because he is being addressed directly.

Answer 107

Literal translation: ignorance of the law excuses no one ## Footnote Fun Fact: This is another expression that states the obvious: you cannot avoid getting in trouble by simply saying you did not know your actions were against the rules!

Answer 108

Literal translation: the order having been changed More common meaning: turn and about Fun Fact: One group in a Physical Education class might run laps while the other swims. When the groups switch activities, the swimmers run laps, and *vice versa*.

Answer 109

*quod sors fert ferimus* Literal translation: what fate brings we bear

Answer 110

Literal translation: may he (she) live More common meaning: long live… Fun Fact: *Vivat* is from the Latin verb *vivo*, which means "to live."

Answer 111

Literal translation: may you have the body (of evidence) More common meaning: right of citizens to avoid unlawful imprisonment ## Footnote Fun Fact: One of the most treasured traditions of American democracy is the notion that a citizen cannot be imprisoned indefinitely without a trial. A prisoner has the right to present a document called a writ of *habeas corpus* to a judge who must bring the case to court or dismiss it in a timely manner.

Answer 112

Literal translation: slip of the pen ## Footnote Fun Fact: If you leave out a word or write the same word twice, you have made a *lapsus pennae*. *Lapsus*, which means “slip” in Latin, looks like the English word “lapse.” There are two words for “pen” because the Romans sometimes wrote with a sharpened reed called a *calamus*, or sometimes with a feather quill called a *penna*.

Answer 113

*vox clamantis in deserto* Literal translation: a voice of (one) crying in the desert Fun Fact: In the New Testament this phrase describes John the Baptist who announced the arrival of Jesus. You can see that "acclamation" in English is related to *clamantis*. "Acclamation" means a "shout of approval."

Answer 114

Literal translation: (one) holding a place More common meaning: a substitute ## Footnote Fun Fact: You already know the word for “place” in Latin if you remember the phrase *in loco parentis*, and *tenens* is a form of the verb *teneo* meaning “hold.” The English word “tenacious,” which means “holding persistently,” comes from this verb. Sometimes you will see the word *locum* used by itself to mean “substitute.”

Answer 115

Literal translation: from the office More common meaning: by virtue of one’s position ## Footnote Fun Fact: Actual membership in a particular group is not required for an important executive to participate in the group’s activities. The executive is allowed to be involved because of the power inherent in the office.

Answer 116

*circa* Literal translation: around, approximately Fun Fact: You will see the abbreviation *ca.* or *c.* in history books when the exact date of an event is unknown.

Answer 117

*crescit eundo* Literal translation: it grows by going More common meaning: it grows as it goes Fun Fact: The Roman poet Vergil used this phrase in the *Aeneid* to describe the monster Rumor, who grows larger as she goes from one person to another. Here, however, the phrase means that New Mexico is a state that keeps getting bigger and better as it grows. A "crescendo" in music is a passage in which the volume keeps **growing** louder so it is easy to remember that the verb *crescit* means "grow." Latin verbs ending in the letters *–sco* are called incep- tives, and they indicate something that is just beginning to happen. For example, the Latin verb *adolesco* means "to begin to grow up."

Answer 118

*modus operandi* Literal translation: way of operating Fun Fact: *Modus* means “way” or “manner” in Latin, and *opero* is a Latin verb which means “operate.”

Answer 119

*audemus jura nostra defendere* Literal translation: we dare to defend our rights Fun Fact: "Audacious" means "bold" in English, and you can see that it is related to *audemus*. You can also see that "jury" is a derivative of *jura*. Latin students will remember that the Latin alpha- bet did not include the letter *j* so the letter *i* was used both as a vowel and as a consonant. This means that a Roman would have written *iura*, not *jura*.

Answer 120

*nota bene* Literal translation: note well More common meaning: pay attention Fun Fact: If you did not know that *N.B.* stands for “note well,” you might assume that you were supposed to write something in your notebook when you saw those letters.

Answer 121

*Deo gratias habeamus* Literal translation: let us have thanks to God Fun Fact: You probably know the English word "deity" meaning "god" or "goddess." You can see that "deity" is related to *deo*, a form of the Latin word *deus*. You can also see that "gratify," "grace" and "gratitude" are English words derived from the Latin word *gratia*.

Answer 122

Literal translation: by things More common meaning: a puzzle which uses pictures of things Fun Fact: If you have ever written "I love you" on a valentine using a picture of an eye for "I" and a heart for "love," you have made a *rebus*! Like *re*, *rebus* is a form of the Latin word *res* meaning "thing, matter, affair."

Answer 123

*citius, altius, fortius* Literal translation: more quickly, more highly, more bravely More common meaning: quicker, higher, braver

Answer 124

Literal translation: without a day More common meaning: without a date set to reassemble Fun Fact: If you hear on the nightly news broadcast that the Senate has adjourned *sine die*, and you do not know that the Latin word for "day" is *dies*, you might think this expression had to do with death! Of course, the news item merely means that the date to meet again has not been set.

Answer 125

Literal translation: in place More common meaning: in its original position ## Footnote Fun Fact: You can see that the English word “site” is derived from the Latin word *situ(s)*. Do not confuse “site” with its homonyms “cite,” which means “quote,” or “sight,” which means “vision.”

Answer 126

Literal translation: time flies ## Footnote Fun Fact: This is a familiar expression! You might find it written on a sundial or on a grandfather clock.

Answer 127

Literal translation: I think, therefore I am ## Footnote Fun Fact: Notice that in Latin the pronoun “I” is understood with the verb *sum*. Descartes was a mathematician as well as a philosopher. You can thank Descartes for much of what you learn today in algebra. You might be interested to know that Descartes was frail as a youth and spent much of each day resting in bed.

Answer 128

Literal translation: let him/her leave More common meaning: a permission to leave ## Footnote Fun Fact: You might find the expression *exeat* in a book about an English boarding school. In Latin *exeat* is a subjunctive verb, not a noun at all!

Answer 129

*curriculum vitae* Literal translation: lap of life More common meaning: resume, summary of one’s career ## Footnote Fun Fact: A horse race in ancient Rome had seven laps. Each lap was called a *curriculum*. We use the word “curriculum” in English to mean the material students learn in school, but your *curriculum vitae* summarizes both your educational background and your work experience.

Answer 130

Literal translation: on behalf of the form More common meaning: for the sake of appearance Fun Fact: A *pro forma* handshake does not imply friendship, it just means that the two people are following a tradition and being polite.

Answer 131

Literal translation: slip of the memory ## Footnote Fun Fact: Be careful not to suffer a *lapsus memoriae* when you are learning new Latin expressions this week!

Answer 132

*ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem* Literal translation: with a sword she seeks peaceful quiet with liberty Fun Fact: *Ensis* and *gladius* are synonyms in Latin. Both mean "sword." If you remember that a **pet**ition in English is a document that **seeks** something or that you **seek** food when you have an ap**pet**ite or that com**pet**itors all **seek** to win, *petit* is easy to remember. When we trans- late *petit* as "she seeks," "she" means Massachusetts. It may seem odd to speak of seeking "peaceful quiet with liberty by means of a sword," but we all realize that we have to be ready to defend our liberty.

Answer 133

Literal translation: in total More common meaning: entirely Fun Fact: You might think *toto* had something to do with Oz, but it comes from the Latin word *totus*, which means “all” or “total.”

Answer 134

Literal translation: who will guard the guards themselves? ## Footnote Fun Fact: You know the English words "custody" and "custodian" so it will be easy to remember that both custodiet and custodes have to do with guards. This phrase is a reminder that even a person in a position of trust may need supervision.

Answer 135

*post scriptum* Literal meaning: written after More common meaning: an afterthought added to a completed letter or book Fun Fact: Here is another familiar phrase. People used *P.S.* when they made additions to letters, now they use it with e-mail. You can easily remember that *post* means "after" if you think of the English word "postpone."

Answer 136

*de minimis maximum* Literal translation: from the smallest (particles) (comes) the greatest (power)

Answer 137

*non nobis, sed omnibus* Literal translation: not for us, but for all

Answer 138

Literal translation: something for something More common meaning: tit for tat Fun Fact: *Quid pro quo* can describe a situation in which one person seeks revenge from another who has harmed him. Here, *quid pro quo* means "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." The phrase can also refer to a situation in which a kind deed is repaid with kindness.

Answer 139

*pro tempore* Literal translation: for the time being More common meaning: temporarily Fun Fact: If a person is filling a position *pro tem.*, it is not a long term commitment. You may know someone who has worked as a temp. employee.

Answer 140

Literal translation: from the books More common meaning: from the library (of) Fun Fact: Do not confuse the Latin word *liber*, which means “book,” with *libra*, which means “weight” or “pound.” The English word “library” will help you remember this. If you are a Latin student, you probably know the Latin word for “free” which is *liber*, *libera*, *liberum*, and you can think of the word “liberty” to remember it.

Answer 141

Literal translation: nothing (is) uglier than a bald (man) with hair. ## Footnote Fun fact: This is not a phrase that you will see very often, but it is an easy one to understand: even today people make fun of a man with a comb-over!

Answer 142

Literal translation: after this, therefore on account of it ## Footnote Fun Fact: In Latin *hoc* means "this" or "it," *propter* means "on account of," and *ergo* means "therefore." This phrase is used in logic to remind us that just because something happened before something else did, the first event is not necessarily the cause of the second one. For example, it might appear at first glance that a water shortage was the result of the drought, when in fact a broken pipe bringing water from another part of the country was the true cause.

Answer 143

Literal translation: from egg(s) to apples More common meaning: from beginning to end Fun Fact: This phrase makes sense if you know a little bit about ancient dining customs. Most Romans ate only a snack for breakfast and lunch. Dinner, however, was more elaborate. Hard-boiled eggs (*ova*) were sometimes served as appetizers, and dessert often included fruit like apples (*mala*). An English phrase, “from soup to nuts,” means the same thing. The Latin word *ovum* is an English word itself and gives us the words “oval” and “ovary.” You may sometimes see just the words *ab ovo* instead of the whole phrase. *Ab ovo* means “from the egg, from the beginning.”

Answer 144

*labor omnia vincit* Literal translation: work conquers all Fun Fact: You have heard people say, "If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again." This motto says the same thing in different words. It is interesting that the word *labor* is the same in Latin and in English, and you probably know two common English derivatives of *labor*: "laborious" meaning "tedious" and "elaborate" meaning "elegant." You can also probably guess that the English word "invincible" means "unconquerable" when you know that *vincit* means "con- quer."

Answer 145

*Dei sub numine viget* Literal translation: under the providence of God it flourishes Fun Fact: If you are **vig**orous, you are flourishing!

Answer 146

Literal translation: bridge of donkeys More common meaning: Euclid’s fifth proposition in Geometry ## Footnote Fun Fact: During Medieval times, all students studied Euclid’s Geometry. The solution to Euclid’s fifth proposition required a diagram resembling a bridge, and a student who could not solve the problem was considered an ass.

Answer 147

Literal translation: art for the sake of art ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Ars gratia artis* is the motto of MGM studios. You can see the phrase on a banner under the MGM lion on the company logo. It means creating something beautiful for its own sake, not for the sake of profit.

Answer 148

*aut disce aut discede* Literal translation: either learn or leave Fun Fact: This motto from an English school sounds a bit harsh! Notice that "college" here does not mean post secondary school. Rather it refers to what we call a high school. In Latin *aut…aut* means "either...or." You may remember the phrase *Docendo discitur*, "one learns by teach- ing."

Answer 149

Literal translation: in a glass container More common meaning: in a test tube ## Footnote Fun Fact: The Latin word for “glass” is *vitrum*, and *in vitro* means “in a glass container.” Today *in vitro* is used in science to indicate research done in a test tube as opposed to research done *in vivo* which is carried out on living organisms. When you see the letters IVF, they stand for *in vitro* fertilization, i.e., fertilization in a test tube.

Answer 150

*esto perpetua* Literal translation: be forever Fun Fact: "Perpetual" in English makes *perpetua* easy to remember, and you can see that *esto* is relat- ed to *esse*, "to be." The ending *–to* makes the verb a command. Grammar books call a com- mand an imperative.

Answer 151

Literal translation: out of the time, at the moment More common meaning: on the spur of the moment ## Footnote Fun Fact: When people speak *ex tempore*, they are speaking without any preparation. In fact, that is exactly what the English word “extemporaneous” means.

Answer 152

Literal translation: by the living voice More common meaning: orally, aloud Fun Fact: *Voce* is a form of the Latin word *vox* that means "voice," and you can see that "vocal" and "vociferous" are derivatives.

Answer 153

*pro Deo et ecclesia* Literal translation: for God and Church

Answer 154

Literal translation: to the man More common meaning: personal Fun Fact: Today we expect political candidates to avoid criticizing the private lives of their rivals, but in ancient Rome, speakers like Cicero often made vicious personal attacks on their enemies.

Answer 155

*opus citatum / opere citato* Literal meaning: work cited Fun Fact: Like the abbreviation *ibid.*, *op. cit.* can sometimes be found in footnotes. Writers use *op. cit.* to avoid writing out the full title of a work from which they have already quoted. You know the word *opus* from the phrase *magnum opus*.

Answer 156

Literal translation: in a burning crime More common meaning: caught in the act, caught red-handed ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Flagrante* means “burning.” It is the root of the English word “flagrant,” which means “shockingly noticeable.” *Delicto* means “crime.”

Answer 157

*eruditio et religio* Literal translation: learning and religion Fun Fact: "Erudition" means "learning" in English.

Answer 158

Literal translation: the end ## Footnote Fun Fact: Have you ever seen *finis* at the end of a book or a long story?

Answer 159

Literal translation: it does not follow More common meaning: an illogical statement ## Footnote Fun Fact: Suppose you heard someone say, “I love ice cream. Vanilla is my favorite flavor. The sky is blue.” You might be a little confused by the last sentence, and it could be called a *non sequitur* because it is not connected logically to the previous ideas. It is simply a random thought. You may have seen a comic strip called “*Non Sequitur*” which appears in some newspapers.

Answer 160

Literal translation: bread and circuses ## Footnote Fun Fact: Roman politicians gave free bread and free entertainment to the poor people of Rome to keep them quiet and contented. A com**pan**ion originally meant someone with whom you shared bread, and circuses are still a source of entertainment.

Answer 161

*exempli gratia* Literal translation: for the sake of an example More common meaning: for example Fun Fact: This is one of the most common Latin expressions found in English. It is the equivalent of the phrase “for example.”

Answer 162

*post meridiem* Literal translation: after noon Fun Fact: Here is a familiar phrase. It is the opposite of *ante meridiem* (*A.M.*).

Answer 163

Literal translation: blank slate ## Footnote Fun Fact: The eighteenth century philosopher John Locke used this phrase to explain his notion that character and intelligence are not inborn. He said that an infant’s mind is a *tabula rasa* at birth, and that a child’s personality is shaped by life experiences. Locke believed that character is a product of nurture rather than of nature. The nature vs. nurture debate is still a matter of discussion.

Answer 164

Literal translation: friend of the court More common meaning: a person who advises the court on a matter before it Fun Fact: Someone who is not involved in a lawsuit may submit background information to a judge in a document called an *amicus curiae* brief. *Amicus* is the Latin word for “friend,” and “amicable” in English means “friendly.”

Answer 165

Literal translation: I do not want to contest More common meaning: plea by a defendant essentially admitting guilt Fun Fact: Remember that Latin pronouns are often understood? Here the –o of *nolo* indicates that the subject is “I.” A person accused of a crime may enter this plea without technically admitting any guilt. A court can then assign punishment even though there has been no admission of guilt.

Answer 166

*certa bonum certamen* Literal translation: fight the good fight Fun Fact: *Certa* is the command form of the verb *certo*, which means "to vie, fight, struggle." You can see that *certa* is related to the noun *certamen*. Some Latin students like to participate in a quiz game called *certamen*.

Answer 167

Literal translation: to whom for a good More common meaning: to whose advantage, for whose benefit Fun Fact: Do you remember the expression *bona fide*? *Bona* meant “good,” and here *bono* is another form of the same word.

Answer 168

*imperium in imperio* Literal translation: an empire in an empire Fun Fact: In the late eighteenth century, Ohio territory must have seemed big enough to be its own country or empire! "Imperial" in English means "having supreme power."

Answer 169

*ex scientia tridens* Literal translation: from knowledge the trident  More common meaning: power over the sea from knowledge Fun Fact: To understand this motto you need to know that *scientia* in Latin means "knowledge" in gen- eral, not just knowledge of specific subjects like Biology and Chemistry. Similarly, the three-pronged trident, which is the symbol of Neptune, god of the sea, here clearly symbol- izes power over the sea.

Answer 170

Literal translation: with great praise ## Footnote Fun Fact: You already know the phrase *cum laude*, so just think of “magnify” and “magnificent,” and you will remember that *magna* means “great.”

Answer 171

Literal translation: by heads More common meaning: individually Fun Fact: You often see this expression used in phrases like "*per capita* income," meaning the average income of each individual.

Answer 172

Literal translation: to err is human More common meaning: everybody makes mistakes ## Footnote Fun Fact: English words like “err” and “error” are clearly related to this Latin verb *errare*.

Answer 173

Literal translation: it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country ## Footnote Fun Fact: The Roman author Horace wrote these words in a famous ode. During World War I, the English poet Wilfred Owen, used the phrase as the title of a bitter and moving poem about the horrors of trench warfare.

Answer 174

Literal translation: I have sinned ## Footnote Fun Fact: The Latin verb *peccare* means “to sin.” There are two interesting English derivatives of *peccare*: “impeccable” meaning “perfect” and “peccadillo” meaning a “little mistake.” *Peccavi* is a famous expression because a nineteenth century British general fighting in a part of India called Sind sent a legendary telegram with the single word peccavi to report his victory over the region. The message was a pun because he meant, “I have [conquered] Sind,” not “I have sinned.”

Answer 175

Literal translation: unwelcome person ## Footnote Fun Fact: A country can designate a visitor as a *persona non grata* for any number of reasons including suspected terrorist activities or criminal charges lodged in the person’s own country. A person who has been declared a *persona non grata* must leave the country immediately.

Answer 176

Literal translation: not sound of mind ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Mentis* is another form of the Latin word *mens*, which you met in the expression *mens sana in corpore sano*. The expression *non compos mentis* is used to describe someone who is not competent to manage his own affairs.

Answer 177

*quae recta sequor* Literal translation: what (things) (are) right I follow More common meaning: I follow the things that are right.

Answer 178

Literal translation: I believe More common meaning: a set of firm beliefs ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Credo* is a verb in Latin that means “I believe.” Notice that the pronoun “I” is understood. The Christian creed begins with this word; thus it has come to mean a person’s whole system of belief.

Answer 179

Literal translation: solid earth, firm ground ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Terra* is the Latin root of English words like "terrain," "terrarium" and "subterranean." An ATV is an all terrain vehicle that can go anywhere on land.

Answer 180

Literal translation: he/she leaves More common meaning: way out ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Exit* is a Latin verb, but an English noun. *Exit* can be used as a stage direction telling an actor to leave the stage.

Answer 181

Literal translation: thus passes the glory of the world ## Footnote Fun Fact: This phrase is similar to our expression, "You can’t take it with you." It is interesting that in Latin *transit* is a verb meaning "pass" while in English it is a noun meaning "transportation." *Mundi* gives us the English word "mundane" which means "secular, commonplace," or "ordinary."

Answer 182

*dramatis personae* Literal translation: the masks of a drama More common meaning: (the cast of) characters in a play Fun Fact: Roman actors wore masks called *personae* that enabled them to project their voices and allowed a single actor to play several roles in the same production. All ancient actors were men so a mask was essential equipment for an actor playing a female role.

Answer 183

Literal translation: we command More common meaning: order by a higher court Fun Fact: *Mando* means “I command” in Latin. The ending *–mus* indicates that the subject of the verb is the pronoun “we.” You might find this word used in a news story reporting that a writ of *mandamus* was issued requiring a lower court to perform a specific task. A writ is a formal document.

Answer 184

Literal translation: the thing speaks for itself More common meaning: the situation is obvious Fun Fact: You already know that the Latin word res can be translated "thing." *Loquitur* is easy to remember if you think of English words like "eloquent," which means "articulate," or "loquacious," which means "talkative."

Answer 185

*recipe* Literal translation: take More common meanings: (1) recipe = directions for cooking a particular dish (2) Rx = symbol for a prescription Fun Fact: *Recipe* is a command in Latin, which means "take." In cooking, a recipe is followed by the list of ingredients. A pharmacist, like a cook, takes various ingredients to make up a prescription. Scribes in the Middle Ages simply wrote the letter R with a cross to show that they were leaving off the letters *–ecipe*. Thus, the *x* is not really the letter *x*; rather, it is an abbreviation.

Answer 186

Literal translation: by the fact itself More common meaning: by that very fact Fun Fact: Facto is a form of *factum*, the Latin word for “fact” or “deed.”

Answer 187

Literal translation: in the matter (of) ## Footnote Fun Fact: Modern lawyers do not use Latin very often, but old court cases are sometimes known by the names of the parties concerned.

Answer 188

*respice, adspice, prospice* Literal translation: look to the past, look to the present, look to the future Fun Fact: These three commands seem to sum up the purpose of education. If you remove the pre- fix of each word, the root *–spice* meaning "look" is left. This root comes into English in words like "conspicuous," which means "obvious."

Answer 189

Literal translation: by the day More common meaning: daily allowance Fun Fact: Some businesses and organizations have a fixed amount which employees are allowed to spend each day when they are traveling. This allowance is called a *per diem*. *Dies* is the Latin word for "day."

Answer 190

Literal translation: we are ignorant More common meaning: an extremely ignorant person ## Footnote Fun Fact: If you know Latin, you know that the ending *–mus* is a verb ending, not a noun ending. *Ignoramus*, however, is an English noun meaning an “ignorant person.”

Answer 191

Literal translation: in the matter, thing, affair More common meaning: regarding Fun Fact: When people see *re* in an e-mail, they sometimes think it means "reply," but *re* is actually the ablative of the Latin word *res* (thing or affair). You saw *re* in the legal expression *in re*, meaning "in the matter of," and you remember that *in re* can be used in the titles of court cases.

Answer 192

Literal translation: He (God) has nodded at our undertakings More common meaning: He (God) has favored (our) undertakings Fun Fact: This phrase is printed on the back of the U.S. dollar bill above the pyramid. It comes from Book IX of Vergil’s great Roman epic, the *Aeneid*.

Answer 193

Literal translation: they all leave ## Footnote Fun Fact: Like *exit, exeunt omnes* is a stage direction that tells actors the scene is over.

Answer 194

*fare fac* Literal translation: say (it), do (it)!

Answer 195

*novus ordo seclorum* Literal translation: a new order of ages More common meaning: new world order Fun Fact: Before he wrote the *Aeneid*, Vergil wrote a book called the *Bucolics* to celebrate the land of Italy and a life of farming. This phrase comes from the fourth book of the *Bucolics*. It is sometimes translated, "A new order of ages" because *seclorum* comes from the Latin word *seclum* (also spelled *saeclum* or *saeculum*) which means "age" or "generation."

Answer 196

Literal translation: make haste slowly ## Footnote Fun Fact: The Emperor Augustus is said to have chosen this phrase as his personal credo. It might seem impossible to hurry slowly, but the phrase makes sense if you think of the fable of the tortoise and the hare. The hare made haste but lost the race. The slower, more careful tortoise plugged along steadily and came in first.

Answer 197

Literal translation: among the last things More common meaning: in extreme circumstances, at the point of death ## Footnote Fun Fact: *Extremis* means the farthest away (last) from the point of view of the speaker. In this phrase *extremis* is translated “last.” It is interesting that the English word “extremities” means “fingers” and “toes,” the farthest parts of your body.

Answer 198

Literal translation: for the people’s good More common meaning: free Fun Fact: Lawyers, doctors, and teachers frequently do work without charge for people who cannot afford to pay them for their services. This work is done *pro bono publico*, "for the people’s good." Sometimes, the phrase is shortened to *pro bono*.

Answer 199

*dirigo* Literal translation: I direct Fun Fact: When a Latin verb ends in *–o*, the pronoun "I" is understood as the subject. This means that *dirigo* is translated, not simply "direct," but rather "I direct." You may have heard the phrase, "As goes Maine, so goes the nation." That expression comes from the fact that in presiden- tial elections, the votes of a small number of voters in one community in Maine are always counted quickly, and, in the days before computer projections, these votes were used to pre- dict the outcome of the whole election. The state motto is a reflection of this tradition.

Answer 200

*quod erat demonstrandum* Literal translation: that which was to be proved Fun Fact: You might put this phrase or its abbreviation at the end of a math problem to show that your final answer is correct, and that you have proved what the problem required you to prove.

Answer 201

Literal translation: after death More common meaning: examination of a corpse Fun Fact: If someone dies under mysterious circumstances, a *post mortem* will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Answer 202

*verbum sapienti* / *verbum sat sapienti* / *verbum sapientibus* Literal meaning: a word to the wise (is) sufficient Fun Fact: This expression can be written several different ways: *sat* is short for the Latin word *satis*, which means "sufficient, enough." You can remember *satis* easily if you think of the English word "satisfy." *Sapientibus* is the plural of *sapienti*; both mean "to the wise," and you can see that they are both forms of *sapiens*, a word you know from the phrase *homo sapiens*. In English the word "sapient" means "wise" or "discerning." *Verbum* gives us the English word "verbose" which means "wordy."

Answer 203

Literal translation: by the year More common meaning: annually Fun Fact: You saw another form of *annum* in the phrase *anno Domini*.

Answer 204

Literal translation: (by) my fault ## Footnote Fun Fact: These words are part of a prayer of confession. *Culpa*, the Latin word for “fault,” gives us English words like “culpable,” which means “guilty,” and “exculpate,” which means “to clear of guilt.”

Answer 205

Literal translation: in the womb More common meaning: unborn Fun Fact: You can see that the English word “uterus,” which is another word for “womb,” is the same word in Latin.

Answer 206

Literal translation: from (the bishop’s) chair More common meaning: with authority ## Footnote Fun Fact: The church where a bishop is based is a cathedral, and in a cathedral there is an actual chair for a bishop. However, a pronouncement *ex cathedra* does not have to come from a bishop; it can come from anyone speaking with the authority of his or her office.

Academics — PMAQ Flashcards

Influenced by National Source "Latin Everywhere, Everyday" by Elizabeth Heimbach (230 cards)