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Origins of Latin -

Latin emerged around 700 BCE in the Latium region of central Italy. It spread with the increase of Roman political power to become the dominant language throughout the empire. Today, Latin is considered a dead language, though many words and phrases are still used in English. What follows are some of the more popular terms and their meanings.

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Ad hoc -

The literal translation of ad hoc is to/for this. Its meaning in use is improvised/devised/applied spontaneously or purely for the purpose ('just for this').

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Ad infinitum -

The literal translation of ad infinitum is to infinity. Its meaning in use is endlessly/forever/without limit.

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Ad nauseum -

The literal translation of ad nauseum is to a sickening degree. Its meaning in use is to the point of causing nausea/unbearably tedious.

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Affidavit -

The literal translation of affidavit is he/she has declared under oath. Its meaning in use is as a sworn statement notarized by an authorized official for legal purposes.

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Alma mater -

The literal translation of alma mater is nourishing mother. Its meaning in use describes one's college or university.

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Annus horribilis -

The literal translation of annus horribilis is horrible year. It's meaning in use was famously exemplified by the late Queen Elizabeth II when she referred to 1992 as the "annus horribilis," a year marked by scandal and disaster for the British royal family.

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Aurora borealis - The literal translation of aurora borealis is goddess of the northern dawn. Its meaning in use refers to the northern lights, a natural light display seen in the nighttime sky far north. Aurora australis (goddess of the southern dawn) refers to the southern lights, seen in Antarctic regions.

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Bona fide -

The literal translation of bona fide is good faith. Its meaning in use is in good faith/honesty/real/genuine.

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Caveat emptor -

The literal translation of caveat emptor is let the buyer beware. Its meaning in use is the responsibility is with the buyer (caveat emptor is the property law doctrine that controls the sale of realty after the date of closing).

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Compos mentis -

The literal translation of compos mentis is of sound mind. Its meaning in use refers to someone in full possession of their mental faculties.

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Consensus omnium -

The literal translation of consensus omnium is agreement of all. Its meaning in use refers to general agreement/everyone agrees.

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De facto -

The literal translation of de facto is of fact. Its meaning in use is in reality/in practice, but not spelled out by law.

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Ergo -

The literal translation of ergo is therefore. Its meaning in use is therefore—and so it follows that... In other words, the word ergo links a cause or situation with a result or conclusion.

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Habeas corpus -

The literal translation of habeas corpus is that you should have the body. Its meaning in use is as a legal order for an arrested person to attend court.

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In absentia -

The literal translation of in absentia is in (one's) absence. Its meaning in use is while not present at the event being referred to, for example criminal convictions and academic awards.

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In flagrante delicto -

The literal translation of in flagrante delicto is caught in the act. Its meaning in legal speak is used to indicate that a criminal has been caught in the act of committing an offense. It's also applied to the situation in which a person finds his or her spouse in the act of committing adultery.

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Lingua franca -

The literal translation of lingua franca is language of the Francs, where "Franks" refers to any Western Europeans during the time of the Byzantine Empire. Its meaning in use is any language widely used beyond the population of its native speakers. For example, English is the current lingua franca of international business, science, and aviation. It's also the lingua franca of the internet.

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Magnum opus -

The literal translation of magnum opus is great work. Its meaning in use refers to a major or significant achievement of an author, artist, or composer, for example, Mozart's 1791 composition 'Requiem.'

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Mea culpa -

The literal translation of mea culpa is by my fault or through my fault. Its meaning in use is my fault or my mistake, as in acknowledgment of guilt or blame.

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Modus operandi -

The literal translation of modus operandi is way of working. Its meaning in use is method of process for a task or activity/service. Law enforcement officials often describe a criminal's pattern or habit of activity as their "M.O."

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Persona non grata -

The literal translation of persona non grata is person not pleasing. Its meaning in use is unwelcome individual, barred/banned person.

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Post mortem -

The literal translation of post mortem is after death. Its meaning in use describes an autopsy (PM), the examination of a corpse to determine cause of death.

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Prima facie -

The literal translation of prima facie is at first sight, or on its first appearance. Its meaning in use is as a legal term that refers to initial yet potentially or arguably sufficient evidence.

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Pro bono -

The literal translation of pro bono is for the public good. Its meaning in use usually describes professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, for example legal work for a client with a low income.

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Quid pro quo -

The literal translation of quid pro quo is something for something (something which is given in return for another thing). Its meaning in use can be summed up thus: "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

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Subpoena -

The literal translation of subpoena is under penalty. Its meaning in use is as a writ requiring a person to appear in court at a specified time and place under threat of a fine/imprisonment.

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Terra firma -

The literal translation of terra firma is firm land. Its meaning in use often describes dry or solid ground seen from the ocean or the air.

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Veto -

The literal translation of veto is I reject, as in an authoritative prohibition. Its meaning in use serves to disallow or prevent something, for example a vote against a proposal tabled at the United Nations.

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Vice versa -

The literal translation of vice versa is the other way round. Its meaning in use is conversely, reversed, or exchanged.

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Vox pop -

The literal translation of vox pop is the voice of the people. Its meaning in use refers to comments from the public. 

Sources: (Listverse)

See also: Fascinating language facts you didn't know

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