Latin Phrases and Their English Translations

Flashcards featuring Latin phrases and their English translations along with context or usage information.

Veni, vidi, vici

I came, I saw, I conquered; attributed to Julius Caesar regarding a swift victory.

Alea iacta est

The die has been cast; refers to a point of no return.

Carpe diem

Seize the day; make the most of the present moment.

Cogito, ergo sum

I think, therefore I am; a philosophical dictum by René Descartes.

In vino veritas

In wine, there is truth; suggests people reveal secrets when drinking.

Et tu, Brute?

And you, Brutus?; used to express betrayal by a friend.

Acta, non verba

Deeds, not words; actions speak louder than words.

Carthago delenda est

Carthage must be destroyed; expresses absolute support for an idea or goal.

Ad hominem

To the person; attacking the person instead of the argument.

Quid pro quo

Something for something; a favor granted in return for something else.

Deus ex machina

God from the machine; an unexpected power saving a hopeless situation.

Ad hoc

For this; created for a specific, immediate purpose.

Mea culpa

Through my fault; an admission of guilt or mistake.

Status quo

The existing state; the current state of social or political affairs.

Per se

By itself; describing something on its own.

Alma mater

Nourishing mother; the school or university one attended.

De facto

In fact; something that exists in reality, even if not official.

Persona non grata

Unwelcome person; an unacceptable or unwelcome person.

Bona fide

In good faith; sincere, genuine, or authentic.

Sui generis

Of its own kind; unique; in a class of its own.

Sine qua non

Without which, nothing; something absolutely essential.

Ad infinitum

To infinity; going on forever.

Et cetera

And other similar; used to end a list of similar items.

Festina lente

Hurry slowly; proceed quickly but with caution.

Amor vincit omnia

Love conquers all; famous poet Virgil's line about the power of love.