Part One Extras—Latin Language Flashcards
(456 cards)
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation N.B.
notā bene—note well
Literal translation: note well
More common meaning: pay attention
In an English sentence: The teacher called attention to due dates on the assignment sheet with the abbreviation N.B.
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.
The familiar way of calling attention to something of importance in a letter or other document one is writing, and abbreviated N.B. The literal meaning is “note well.”
“N.B. The alliance had already begun to fall apart by that time.”
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation e.g.
exemplī grātiā—for example
Literal translation: for the sake of an example
More common meaning: for example
In an English sentence: Great authors, e.g. Shakespeare, are known for their ability to create memorable characters.
This is one of the most common Latin expressions found in English. It is the equivalent of the phrase “for example.”
This expression, literally “for the sake of example,” is always abbreviated e.g. in English. It is used correctly to introduce an example, incorrectly to mean “that is.”
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation i.e.
id est—that is
Literal translation: that is
More common meaning: in other words
In an English sentence: The ninth graders, i.e. the freshmen, will leave first.
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.”
This scholarly term, abbreviated i.e, is used in identical fashion as its English translation: to clarify a statement just made. The abbreviation i.e. is heard more and more in the speech of those who do not know the Latin phrase-nor even the meaning of the term-so misuse is almost as common as correct use. The most frequent mistake reflects confusion of i.e. with e.g, the abbreviation of exemplī grātiā, “for example.” Perhaps we are better advised to use the English equivalents in place of these abbreviations.
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation A.D.
annō Dominī—in the year of our Lord
Literal translation: In the Year of the Lord
More common meaning: Common Era
In an English sentence: Mt. Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79.
Most historians today use the expression Common Era (CE) to refer to dates after the birth of Christ, but in older books you will find the Latin phrase anno Domini (A.D.). Some people think that A.D. stands for After Death, but you can see that annō, which comes from the Latin word annus meaning “year,” is related to the English word “annual.” Dominus is the Latin word for “lord” or “master.”
The full version of the abbreviation A.D. Modern Western calendars reckon passage of time from the birth of Christ, the commencement of the Christian era, but there is disagreement over the precise year of Christ’s birth.
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation A.M.
ante merīdiem—before noon
Literal translation: before noon
More common meaning: in the morning
In an English sentence: The meeting will begin at 10 A.M.
A.M. is a familiar abbreviation. It is easy to remember that ante means “before” if you think of “antebellum.” Merīdiem is the Latin word for “noon” so you would never invite someone to dinner at 6:00 A.M.!
Merīdiēs means “noon” or “midday.” A.M, the English abbreviation for ante merīdiem, refers to time prior to noon and after midnight.
Give the Latin and English for the abbreviation P.M.
post merīdiem—after noon
Literal translation: after noon
In an English sentence: The meeting is set for 3:00 P.M. tomorrow.
Here is a familiar phrase. It is the opposite of ante merīdiem (A.M.).
The phrase we all know in its abbreviated form, P.M.
Give the English for the quotation “errāre hūmānum est”.
to err is human
Literal translation: to err is human
More common meaning: everybody makes mistakes
In an English sentence: The teacher comforted the tearful child who had made a mistake by saying, “Errāre hūmānum est.”
English words like “err” and “error” are clearly related to this Latin verb errāre.
The recognition, also given as errāre est hūmānum, that erasers are attached to pencils for good reason. Alexander Pope, in “An Essay on Criticism”: “To err is human, to forgive, divine.”
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “islet”.
īnsula
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “insular”.
īnsula
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “terrace”.
terra
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “insulate”.
īnsula
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “isle”.
īnsula
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “terrier”.
terra
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “territory”.
terra
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “casino”.
casa
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “insulator”.
īnsula
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “voyager”.
via
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “insulation”.
īnsula
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “voyage”.
via
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “territorial”.
terra
Give the Latin/Greek word(s) for the English derivative “aqueous”.
aqua
What is the meaning of the Latin adjective “decem”?
decem—ten
What is the meaning of the Latin adjective “duodecim”?
duodecim—twelve
What is the meaning of the Latin adjective “duodēvīgintī”?
duodēvīgintī—eighteen