Latin phrases are often sprinkled in English conversation and writing, some of them are also in scientific communication, offering a touch of elegance or precision. Here are 25 Latin phrases that are commonly used, along with their meanings, and examples:
- Ad hoc – For this purpose: Created or done for a particular purpose as necessary.
- Example: “They formed an ad hoc committee to handle the issue immediately.”
- Carpe diem – Seize the day: Encourages making the most of the present moment.
- Example: “Realizing life is short, he decided to carpe diem and take the trip he always dreamed of.”
- Caveat emptor – Let the buyer beware: The buyer is responsible for checking the quality of goods before a purchase.
- Example: “When buying products online, it’s always caveat emptor.”
- Cum laude – With honor: Denotes a level of academic distinction.
- Example: “She graduated cum laude from her university.”
- De facto – In fact: Something that exists in reality, even if not legally recognized.
- Example: “English is the de facto language of international business.”
- Ergo – Therefore: Used to introduce a logical conclusion.
- Example: “He hasn’t replied to any emails, ergo, he must be out of town.”
- Et cetera (etc.) – And the rest: Indicates further similar items are included.
- Example: “She’s going to bring party supplies: cups, plates, napkins, etc.”
- Exempli gratia (e.g.) – For example: Introduces one or more examples.
- Example: “There are many ways to cook eggs, e.g., scrambled, boiled, and poached.”
- Habeas corpus – You shall have the body: A person’s right to challenge unlawful detention.
- Example: “His lawyer filed a writ of habeas corpus to challenge the unlawful detention.”
- In vitro – In glass: Biological or chemical studies done in lab settings.
- Example: “In vitro fertilization has helped many couples conceive.”
- Ipso facto – By the fact itself: Indicates something is true by its very nature.
- Example: “By not complying with the regulations, they are, ipso facto, breaking the law.”
- Mea culpa – My fault: An acknowledgment of one’s error or guilt.
- Example: “I forgot to bring the tickets, mea culpa.”
- Per capita – By heads: Expresses an average per person, often used in economics.
- Example: “The country’s GDP per capita is rising steadily.”
- Per se – By itself: Indicates something is intrinsically or inherently so.
- Example: “He isn’t angry per se, just a bit disappointed.”
- Prima facie – At first sight: Evident from the facts at first observation.
- Example: “There is, prima facie, evidence of tampering.”
- Quid pro quo – Something for something: An exchange of goods or services.
- Example: “The agreement was a quid pro quo; services rendered in exchange for room and board.”
- Status quo – The existing state: Refers to the existing state of affairs.
- Example: “Many people are resistant to change and prefer to maintain the status quo.”
- Subpoena – Under penalty: A writ ordering someone to attend a court.
- Example: “He was served a subpoena to appear in court next week.”
- Terra firma – Solid ground: Refers to dry land, especially after being at sea.
- Example: “After a long voyage, the sailors were relieved to be back on terra firma.”
- Vice versa – The other way around: The reverse of what you have said is also true.
- Example: “You can call me, and vice versa, anytime.”
- Circa (c.) – Around: Indicates that a date is approximate.
- Example: “The castle was built circa 1400.”
- In flagrante delicto – In blazing offense: Caught in the act of committing an offense.
- Example: “The thief was caught in flagrante delicto.”
- Pro bono – For the good: Professional work done voluntarily as a public service.
- Example: “The lawyer took on the case pro bono.”
- Terra incognita – Unknown land: Refers to unexplored or unfamiliar territory.
- Example: “Quantum computing is still terra incognita for many in the tech industry.”
- Vox populi – Voice of the people: The opinion of the majority.
- Example: “The referendum’s outcome was seen as the vox populi, clearly reflecting the public’s preference.”
Cover photo: Ancient city of Olympos, Antalya, Türkiye. I took that photo in July 2012.
I am a software developer and a science enthusiast. I was graduated from the Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Computer Engineering. In the past, I worked at the Istanbul Technical University Science Center as a science instructor. I write about mostly science and science fiction on this website. I am also an animal lover! I take care of stray cats & dogs. This website's all income goes directly to our furry friends. Please consider supporting me on Patreon [by clicking here], so I can help more animals!
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