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Latin Phrases
Latin lives on as the language of law, academia, and quietly confident writing. Knowing a handful unlocks a huge chunk of journalism and criticism.
20 entries
Ad Hoc
Improvised for a specific purpose, not part of a general plan.
Bona Fide
Genuine, authentic, real.
Carpe Diem
Make the most of the present.
De Facto
True in practice, even if not officially.
Et tu, Brute?
An expression of shock at being betrayed by a close friend.
Modus Operandi (M.O.)
Someone's characteristic method of doing something.
Per Se
Intrinsically, on its own terms.
Quid Pro Quo
An exchange of favors or value.
Status Quo
The existing state of affairs.
Veni, Vidi, Vici
A boast of a quick, decisive win.
Vice Versa
The reverse also being true.
Deus ex Machina
An external force that rescues the plot, usually too conveniently.
Magnum Opus
An artist's or thinker's defining masterwork โ the thing they'll be remembered for.
Mea Culpa
An explicit admission of fault.
Memento Mori
A reminder of mortality intended to focus the mind on what matters.
Persona Non Grata
Someone formally or informally barred from a place or group.
A Priori / A Posteriori
Knowledge derived before experience versus from experience.
In Medias Res
Starting a story in the middle of the action, with the backstory filled in later.
Prima Facie
Apparently true on first look, pending further evidence.
Tabula Rasa
A blank slate, especially as a starting condition.