English Vocabulary for learners
Latin words used in English
from: 'acumen'
to: 'vox populi'
Many Latin words and phrases have been adopted into the English language over the centuries, especially in legal documents, and are more commonly written than spoken.
Here are some examples:
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| acumen | Ability to make correct decisions and judgments; shrewdness. |
| addendum | An item added, for example at the end of a book or publication. |
| ad hoc | For that specific purpose. |
| ad lib (ad libitum) | Freely; without restriction; without preparation, improvised. |
| ad nauseam | To a sickening or excessive degree. |
| ad vitam aeternam | For life; forever. |
| agenda | List of things to be done or matters to be discussed. |
| alibi | Proof that someone suspected of a crime was in another place at the time it happened. |
| alter ego | Another self; another aspect of oneself. |
| antenna | 1) A transducer which converts electrical power into electromagnetic waves and vice versa. 2) Feeler or horn of an insect. |
| a posteriori | Based on experience; derived from evidence |
| a priori | Based on an assumption rather than on observed facts |
| bona fide | Done in good faith, without intention to deceive. |
| carpe diem | Seize the day (enjoy yourself while you can). |
| caveat emptor | Let the buyer beware (used as a a type of disclaimer in contracts). |
| circa | Around, about or approximately (used before a year). |
| consensus | A general agreement reached by a group of people. |
| cum laude | With honours (above-average achievement). |
| curriculum vitae | Course of one’s life: a summary of one's career and qualifications |
| de facto | From the fact (exists in actual fact, although not official). |
| de jure | By right; legally; according to the law. |
| ergo | Therefore; for that reason. |
| et cetera | And other similar things; and so forth. |
| exempli gratia (e.g.) | For example. |
| grosso modo (from 'grossus modus') |
More or less; roughly; in broad terms |
| facsimile | An exact copy. |
| id est (i.e.) | That is; in other words. |
| incognito | Hiding one's true identity to avoid being recognized |
| in situ | On site (where something takes place). |
| inter alia | Among other things. |
| ipso facto | By that very fact; as a direct consequence. |
| mea culpa | It's my fault; through my fault; I apologize |
| modicum | A small amount. |
| modus operandi | The usual way of doing things (for example: the modus operandi of burglars). |
| modus vivendi | A working arrangement between conflicting parties. |
| per se | In or by itself; intrinsically. |
| persona non grata | An unacceptable person who is not wanted or welcome. |
| post meridiem | After noon (midday). |
| post mortem | Examination of a dead body (to determine the cause of death). |
| post scriptum (ps) | Written after (to add something at the end of a message) |
| pro bono | Free of charge; without asking for payment. |
| pro forma | Standard document (for example, a pro forma invoice). |
| pro rata | In proportion to the amount or size of something. |
| propaganda | Misleading or biased information used to promote a cause. |
| quid pro quo | Something for something : a reciprocal exchange of goods or services |
| simulacrum | A vague semblance of something; a superficial likeness. |
| sine die | Indefinitely; without fixing a date for future action. |
| sine qua non | Essential condition without which something is impossible. |
| solo | Done or performed by one person alone. |
| status quo | The present or current situation; the existing state of affairs. |
| subpoena | Legal document ordering someone tyo appear in court. |
| verbatim | In exactly the same words as those used originally. |
| vice versa | Valid also in the opposite order, or the other way round. |
| vox populi | The voice of the people i.e. public opinion. |
You can find out the origin of words here