Did really you think Latin was a dead language? Contrary to popular belief the ancient language may not be as ancient as you first thought. While no longer fully in use as a stand alone language, we use Latin quite often in the course of English conversation. Here are some of the most common examples of Latin in everyday use by English speakers.
Ad lib: To improvise; to speak or perform without preparation
Example: The jazz musician stepped onto the stage and delivered a stunning ad lib solo, letting the music flow naturally through his improvised performance.
Alias: An assumed name or alternative identity
Example: Under the alias “Shadow Writer,” the mysterious author published a series of bestselling thrillers while maintaining her anonymity.
Alibi: A claim or evidence of being elsewhere when an incident occurred
Example: The suspect claimed he was at the movies during the robbery, but his alibi fell apart when security footage showed the theater was closed that night.
Alma mater: The school, college, or university one attended
Example: Returning to her alma mater after twenty years, Sarah felt a wave of nostalgia as she walked through the familiar campus halls where she had spent her college years.
Alter ego: An alternative personality or second self
Example: By day, he was a mild-mannered accountant, but on weekends his alter ego emerged as a fierce roller derby competitor known as “The Calculator.”
Ante meridiam/Post meridiam: Before midday (AM)/After midday (PM)
Example: The international conference call was scheduled for 10 AM in New York and 3 PM in London, requiring careful attention to the time difference.
Bona fide: Genuine, authentic, or in good faith
Example: As a bona fide expert in Renaissance art, Dr. Martinez’s authentication of the newly discovered painting carried significant weight in the art world.
Carpe diem: Seize the day; make the most of the present moment
Example: After years of dreaming about starting her own business, Lisa finally embraced carpe diem and opened the café she had always wanted.
Caveat: A warning or caution about something
Example: The vintage car was a bargain, but it came with a major caveat: the engine needed to be completely rebuilt.
Consensus: General agreement among a group
Example: After hours of heated debate, the board finally reached a consensus on the company’s new direction.
Ergo: Therefore; consequently
Example: The prints matched the suspect’s shoes, and the security footage showed someone of his exact height and build; ergo, he must have been at the scene.
Et cetera: And other similar things; and so on
Example: The party planning list seemed endless: decorations, food, music, invitations, et cetera.
In memoriam: In memory of; to commemorate someone who has died
Example: The new hospital wing was dedicated in memoriam to Dr. Thompson, who had served the community for over four decades.
Magnum opus: A person’s greatest or most important work
Example: After thirty years of research and writing, the historian finally published his magnum opus on the Renaissance period.
Per capita: Per person; for each individual
Example: The small country had a surprisingly high per capita income, indicating its citizens enjoyed a relatively high standard of living.
Per se: By itself; in itself
Example: While he wasn’t a trained chef per se, his passion for cooking and natural talent made him a remarkable cook.
Pro bono: Work done voluntarily without charge; for the public good
Example: The attorney took on the immigrant family’s case pro bono, fighting for their rights without charging any fees.
Status quo: The existing state of affairs; current situation
Example: The new CEO refused to accept the status quo and immediately began implementing innovative changes throughout the organization.
Veni, vidi, vici: I came, I saw, I conquered
Example: Like Caesar’s famous declaration of veni, vidi, vici, the young entrepreneur quickly entered the market, understood the challenges, and dominated the industry.
Verbatim: Word for word; exactly as spoken or written
Example: The court reporter recorded the witness’s testimony verbatim, ensuring every word was captured exactly as spoken.
Vice versa: The other way around; with positions reversed
Example: She could speak French and translate it to English with ease, and vice versa.