That “Something’s Off” Feeling in English
You know the feeling: your sentence is correct, but it lands weird. That usually means the issue isn’t grammar, it’s tone. English changes fast…
SoMany English learners underestimate just how much Latin still quietly supports modern English. You’ve likely heard many of these expressions, maybe even used them, without realizing where they come from. Once you understand their origins, meanings, and usage patterns, English vocabulary becomes far more logical and much easier to remember.
Below are 50 common Latin words and phrases that still appear in everyday English, especially in business, education, law, and media. Learning these won’t just expand your vocabulary. They’ll help you decode unfamiliar words faster, understand tone more clearly, and sound more precise when speaking or writing.
To make them easier to absorb, they’re grouped by theme.
These expressions frequently appear in discussion, argument, and opinion-based writing.
This phrase is used when someone intentionally takes the opposite position in a discussion or argument. It signals contrast rather than agreement. In professional or academic settings, it often introduces a counterpoint.
Example: “You believe the deadline is reasonable. A contrario, I think it’s unrealistic given the data.”
“Ad hoc” describes something created spontaneously or temporarily to deal with a specific situation. It suggests flexibility rather than permanence.
Example: “We formed an ad hoc committee to address the customer complaints, then disbanded it once the issue was resolved.”
Used when something is repeated excessively, to the point of irritation or exhaustion. It often carries a negative tone.
Example: “The same argument was repeated ad nauseam, and everyone in the room was ready to move on.”
This abbreviation indicates that a list could continue but stops for convenience. In formal writing, it should be used sparingly.
Example: “Bring your laptop, charger, notes, etc. to the meeting.”
“Per se” isolates the core idea, separating it from surrounding issues. It’s often used to clarify intent.
Example: “I’m not opposed to remote work per se, but I think we need clearer policies.”
This phrase indicates that the relationship or order can be reversed without changing meaning.
Example: “You can email me first, or call me and then email, vice versa.”
Used when something is repeated exactly, without paraphrasing. Accuracy is implied.
Example: “Please repeat the instructions verbatim to avoid confusion.”
These terms are deeply embedded in schools, universities, and professional credentials.
Refers to the institution where someone studied, especially at the college or university level. It often carries emotional or nostalgic meaning.
Example: “She donated to her alma mater to support future students.”
An alumnus (male) or alumna (female) is someone who attended or graduated from a school. The plural forms are alumni and alumnae.
Example: “He’s an alumnus of the University of Toronto.”
A CV is a detailed professional document outlining education, experience, publications, and credentials. It’s more comprehensive than a résumé.
Example: “Academic positions often require a curriculum vitae rather than a résumé.”
An academic honor awarded for strong academic performance.
Example: “She graduated cum laude, reflecting consistent academic excellence.”
A higher distinction than cum laude, indicating outstanding achievement.
Example: “Graduating magna cum laude requires exceptional grades.”
The highest academic honor, reserved for top-performing students.
Example: “Only a small percentage of students graduate summa cum laude.”
An affidavit is a formal written statement that someone signs under oath, confirming that the information is true. Because it is sworn, it carries legal weight and can be used in court proceedings. You’ll most often see this term in legal contexts, immigration paperwork, or official disputes.
Example: “She submitted an affidavit confirming that the documents were accurate and complete.”
An alibi refers to evidence that shows a person was somewhere else at the time an event occurred, especially a crime. In everyday usage, people sometimes misuse it to mean “excuse,” but its true meaning is much more specific and legal in nature.
Example: “The security footage provided him with a solid alibi, ruling him out as a suspect.”
“De facto” describes how things actually function, even if that situation is unofficial or not legally recognized. It’s often contrasted with de jure. This phrase is common in business, politics, and workplace dynamics.
Example: “Although she wasn’t officially promoted, she became the de facto manager of the team.”
“De jure” refers to what exists legally or formally, regardless of how things work in reality. It’s frequently paired with de facto to highlight the difference between law and practice.
Example: “He is the de jure owner of the company, even though someone else runs daily operations.”
This phrase means that someone holds a role automatically because of another office they occupy. It’s commonly used in governance, boards, and committees.
Example: “The chairperson serves ex officio on all subcommittees.”
A foundational legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention. While Latin-heavy, it still appears regularly in legal discussions, news reporting, and constitutional law.
Example: “The lawyer filed a habeas corpus motion challenging the detention.”
This phrase refers to the responsibility to prove a claim or accusation. In law, the burden usually falls on the party making the claim.
Example: “In criminal cases, the onus probandi lies with the prosecution.”
A quorum is the minimum number of people who must be present for a meeting or vote to be valid. Without it, decisions cannot legally proceed.
Example: “We couldn’t vote on the proposal because we didn’t reach a quorum.”
A veto is the power to reject or block a decision, proposal, or law. The term is widely used in politics, committees, and leadership settings.
Example: “The president threatened to veto the bill if changes weren’t made.”
Most commonly used in historical contexts, especially in reference to the period before the American Civil War. It often carries cultural and architectural meaning.
Example: “The estate is an ante bellum plantation home.”
Used to describe something authentic, sincere, or legitimate. In modern English, it often means “the real thing.”
Example: “It was a bona fide offer, not a marketing trick.”
A motivational expression encouraging people to live fully in the present moment rather than worrying excessively about the future.
Example: “After years of hesitation, he adopted a carpe diem mindset.”
Commonly used with dates when the exact year is unknown. You’ll often see it in museums, textbooks, and plaques.
Example: “The building was constructed circa 1850.”
A phrase emphasizing unity formed from diversity. It appears on U.S. currency and symbolizes collective identity.
Example: “The motto E pluribus unum reflects the idea of national unity.”
An expression of betrayal by someone trusted, originating from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.
Example: “When his closest ally resigned, it felt like Et tu, Brute?”
Represents aspiration, progress, and continuous improvement. Often used as a motto or symbolic rallying cry.
Example: “Their mission statement reflects an excelsior philosophy.”
A historic document that limited the power of rulers and influenced modern constitutional law.
Example: “Many legal systems trace their roots back to the Magna Carta.”
An addendum supplements an existing document with additional information, often without changing the original text.
Example: “Please review the contract addendum before signing.”
Beyond its literal meaning, this phrase is often used metaphorically in business or project management to analyze failures after completion.
Example: “The team held a project post mortem to identify what went wrong.”
Used to add information after a letter or message is completed, often for emphasis.
Example: “P.S. Don’t forget to submit the form by Friday.”
Placed in brackets to show that an error existed in the original quoted text and has not been corrected.
Example: “The quote read ‘teh’ [sic], indicating the typo was original.”
Mostly used in academic or legal references, and the root of many modern media-related words.
Example: “Vide appendix B for further explanation.”
A foundational Latin root that helps decode many English words related to water and liquid systems.
Example: “An aqueduct supplies water to the city.”
A natural atmospheric phenomenon visible in northern regions, often referenced poetically or scientifically.
Example: “They traveled north to see the Aurora Borealis.”
Often found on gravestones or memorials, expressing a wish for rest after death.
Example: “The inscription read pax aeterna.”
Used to reflect on how quickly time passes, especially during meaningful experiences.
Example: “As the semester ended, she remarked, tempus fugit.”
Historically used during periods of exploration and discovery, and still appears symbolically today.
Example: “The explorers considered the territory terra nova.”
Refers to recognition of equivalent academic credentials between institutions.
Example: “She received an ad eundem degree acknowledging prior study.”
Describes professional services offered voluntarily, without financial compensation.
Example: “He served on the board ad honorem.”
A structured list of topics or tasks, especially for meetings or planning.
Example: “Let’s stick to the agenda to stay on time.”
Used when someone operates under another name or identity.
Example: “The author writes under an alias.”
Refers to a secondary persona or contrasting side of someone’s personality.
Example: “On stage, his alter ego takes over.”
Originally meaning “make similar,” now used for precise reproductions.
Example: “A signed facsimile was accepted.”
Professional services provided without charge, often for ethical or charitable reasons.
Example: “The lawyer took the case pro bono.”
Indicates method, route, or medium.
Example: “I’ll send the files via email.”
Used to indicate substitution or secondary authority.
Example: “The Vice President addressed the meeting.”
A less common reversal phrase, similar in meaning to vice versa.
Example: “The order doesn’t matter — report first or presentation first, versa vice.”
Not sure if it’s pronunciation, confidence, rhythm, or something else entirely?
Take our quick English Accent Clarity Quiz to pinpoint what’s limiting your communication — and what will make the biggest difference fastest.
If you’d rather learn first and decide later, start here. These guides are organized by real communication goals, not textbook rules.
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