How to Learn Great Latin Phrases

There are endless Latin roots found in the English language and Latin pops up in everyday conversation as well as in law courts across the country.Brush up on your Latin or learn these basic latin phrases and their meanings.

Instructions

1. AD HOC

   Means: "To this" Made up. An improvisation.

   Example: "I wrote an ad hoc poem."

2. AD HOMINEM

   Means: A below-the-belt personal attack.

3. AD INFINITUM

   Means: Carried on endlessly. To infinity.

   Example: "And so on and so on Ad Infinitum."

4. AD DOMINI

   Means: In the year of our Lord.

5. ANTE MERIDIEM

   Means: Before noon. AM.

   Example: 6am

6. AQUA VITAE

   Means: Water of Life. Usually in reference to whiskey or brandy.

7. AUDIO

   Means: I hear. Pronounced: Audi (like the cars)

8. BONA FIDES

   Means: Credentials establishing good faith and honesty.

9. CARPE DIEM

   Means: Seize the day!

10. CAVE CANEM

    Means: Beware of the dog

11. CIRCA

    Means: Around

    Example: The king was born circa 100 BC

12. COGITO ERGO SUM

    Means: "I think, therefore I am."

13. CURRICULUM VITAE

    Means: The course of life. Abbreviated CV, your resume or school and work history.

14. DEUS EX MACHINA

    Means: A god out of a machine. Refers to plays where poor storytelling occurs and some outside force makes everything end well.

15. DULCE ET DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI

    Means: "It is sweet and fitting to die for your country."

16. ERGO

    Means: Therefore.

17. EXEMPLI GRATIA

    Means: For example e.g. ie:

18. FIAT LUX!

    Means: Let there be light

19. HABEAS CORPUS

    Means: "You must have the body." Now means that a person cannot be held without a trial. No person can be proven guilty without a fair trial.

20. IACTA ALEA EST

    Means: "Its done, the decision is made."