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Latin Phrases
Here's a list of Latin phrases and sayings that are used in English often enough to have become part of the language.
From what comes before.
Ad absurdum
To the point of absurdity.
Ad hoc
For this purpose.
Ad infinitum
Without limit - endlessly.
Ad nauseam
To a sickening extent.
Alma Mater
One's old school (literally 'bounteous mother').
Alter ego
Other (alternative) self.
A horrible year.
Agnus Dei
Lamb of God.
Aqua pura
Pure water.
Aqua vitae
Alcoholic spirit, e.g. brandy/whisky. Literally 'water of life'.
Skill takes time to acquire, but life is short.
Ave Maria
Hail Mary.
Seize the day (More literally translated as 'enjoy the day, pluck it when it is ripe').
Caveat emptor
Let the buyer beware.
Cogito ergo sum
I think, therefore I am.
Corpus Christi
The body of Christ.
De facto
In fact - in reality.
Dei Gratia
By the grace of God.
E Pluribus Unum
One from many.
Et cetera (etc.)
And the rest.
Et tu, Brute
And you, Brutus.
Ex libris
'Out of the books', that is, from the library.
Gloria in excelsis deo
Glory to God in the highest.
Habeas corpus
You must have the body (in court).
In absentia
In one's absence.
In camera
In private chamber.
In flagrante delicto
In the act of committing an offence.
In loco parentis
In the place of a parent.
In vitro
In a test tube (literally 'in glass').
Ipso facto
By that very fact.
Magnum opus
A great work.
My fault.
Modus operandi (m.o.)
Mode of operating.
Nolens volens
Willingly or unwillingly (see also, willy-nilly).
An unacceptable or unwelcome person, especially a foreign diplomat.
Post partum
After childbirth.
Prima facie
At first sight; on the face of it.
Pro bono
Without charge - for the public good.
Opus Dei
The work of God.
Something for something, that is, a favour for a favour.
Quo vadis?
Where are you going?
Rigor mortis
The rigidity of death.
Semper fidelis
Always faithful.
Sine qua non
Indispensable.
The current state of affairs.
Sub judice
Before a court.
Tempus fugit
Time flees.
Terra firma
Solid ground.
Urbi et orbi
To the city and to the globe.
Veni vidi vici
I came, I saw, I conquered.
The other way around.
Vivat Regina
Long live the queen.
Vox populi
The voice of the people.
See also - French phrases in English.
