Greek And Latin Borrowing Words

Question 1

in memoriam

Answer 1

In memory of.

Question 2

magnum opus

Answer 2

A great work, especially the greatest achievement of an artist, composer, or writer.

Question 3

memento mori

Answer 3

A reminder of mortality, especially a human skull symbolizing death.

Question 4

habeas corpus

Answer 4

An order to bring a jailed person before a judge or court to find out if that person should really be in jail.

Question 5

rigor mortis

Answer 5

The temporary rigidity of muscles that sets in after death.

Question 6

ine qua non

Answer 6

An essential thing.

Question 7

tabula rasa

Answer 7

(1) The mind in its blank or unmarked state before receiving any impressions from outside. (2) Something existing in its original pure state.

Question 8

terra incognita

Answer 8

An unexplored country or field of knowledge.

Question 9

acme

Answer 9

Highest point; summit, peak.

Question 10

catharsis

Answer 10

A cleansing or purification of the body, emotions, or spirit.

Question 11

colossus

Answer 11

(1) A gigantic statue. (2) A person or thing that resembles such a statue in size or activity or influence.

Question 12

detritus

Answer 12

Loose material that results from disintegration; debris.

Question 13

hoi polloi

Answer 13

The general population; the masses.

Question 14

kudos

Answer 14

(1) Fame and renown that result from an achievement; prestige. (2) Praise.

Question 15

onus

Answer 15

A disagreeable necessity or obligation; responsibility.

Question 16

stigma

Answer 16

A mark of shame: stain.

Question 17

ambrosia

Answer 17

(1) The food of the Greek and Roman gods. (2) Something extremely pleasant to taste or smell.

Question 18

dogma

Answer 18

(1) Something treated as established and accepted opinion. (2) A principle or set of principles taught by a religious organization.

Question 19

gratis

Answer 19

Without charge; free.

Question 20

eureka

Answer 20

An exclamation used to express triumph and delight on a discovery.

Question 21

per se

Answer 21

By, of, or in itself; as such.

Question 22

opus

Answer 22

A creative work, especially a musical composition or set of compositions numbered in order of publication.

Question 23

impetus

Answer 23

(1) A driving force or impulse; something that makes a person try or work hard; incentive. (2) Momentum.

Question 24

thesis

Answer 24

(1) An opinion or proposition that a person presents and tries to prove by argument. (2) An extended paper that contains the results of original research, especially one written by a candidate for an academic degree.

Question 25

apologia

Answer 25

A defense, especially of one's own ideas, opinions, or actions.

Question 26

atrium

Answer 26

(1) An open rectangular patio around which a house is built. (2) A court with a skylight in a many-storied building.

Question 27

oligarchy

Answer 27

A government in which power is in the hands of a small group.

Question 28

encomium

Answer 28

Glowing, enthusiastic praise, or an expression of such praise.

Question 29

neurosis

Answer 29

A mental and emotional disorder that is less severe than a psychosis and may involve various pains, anxieties, or phobias.

Question 30

opprobrium

Answer 30

(1) Something that brings disgrace. (2) A public disgrace that results from conduct considered wrong or bad.

Question 31

referendum

Answer 31

(1) The referring of legislative measures to the voters for approval or rejection. (2) A vote on such a measure.

Question 32

ultimatum

Answer 32

A final proposal, condition, or demand, especially one whose rejection will result in forceful action.

Question 33

aegis

Answer 33

(1) Something that protects or defends; shield. (2) Sponsorship or guidance by an individual or organization.

Question 34

charisma

Answer 34

(1) An extraordinary gift for leadership that attracts popular support and enthusiasm. (2) A special ability to attract or charm; magnetism.

Question 35

ego

Answer 35

(1) A sense of confidence and satisfaction in oneself; self-esteem. (2) An exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Question 36

ethos

Answer 36

The features, attitudes, moral code, or basic beliefs that define a person, a group, or an institution.

Question 37

hubris

Answer 37

Unreasonable or unjustified pride or self-confidence.

Question 38

id

Answer 38

The part of a person's unconscious mind that relates to basic needs and desires.

Question 39

libido

Answer 39

(1) Sexual drive. (2) In psychoanalytic theory, energy that is derived from primitive biological urges and is usually goal-oriented.

Question 40

trauma

Answer 40

(1) A serious injury to the body. (2) An abnormal psychological state caused by mental or emotional stress or physical injury.

Question 41

ad hoc

Answer 41

Formed or used for a particular purpose or for immediate needs.

Question 42

ad hominem

Answer 42

Marked by an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the arguments made or the issues raised.

Question 43

alter ego

Answer 43

(1) A trusted friend or personal representative. (2) The opposite side of a personality.

Question 44

de facto

Answer 44

Being such in practice or effect, although not formally recognized; actual.

Question 45

quid pro quo

Answer 45

Something given or received for something else.

Question 46

ex post facto

Answer 46

Done, made, or formulated after the fact.

Question 47

modus operandi

Answer 47

A usual way of doing something.

Question 48

modus vivendi

Answer 48

(1) A practical compromise or arrangement that is acceptable to all concerned. (2) A way of life.

Question 49

a fortiori

Answer 49

All the more certainly.

Question 50

a posteriori

Answer 50

Relating to or derived by reasoning from known or observed facts.

Question 51

a priori

Answer 51

Relating to or derived by reasoning from self-evident propositions.

Question 52

bona fide

Answer 52

(1) Made in good faith without deceit. (2) Authentic or genuine.

Question 53

carpe diem

Answer 53

Enjoy the pleasures or opportunities of the moment without concern about the future.

Question 54

caveat emptor

Answer 54

Let the buyer beware.

Question 55

corpus delicti

Answer 55

(1) The substantial and basic fact or facts necessary to prove that a crime has been committed. (2) The material substance such as the murdered body, on which a crime has been committed.

Question 56

curriculum vitae

Answer 56

A short summary of one's career and qualifications typically prepared by an applicant for a position; résumé.