Essential Latin Phrases and Their Meanings for Language Learners

De rigueur

Required by etiquette, custom, or fashion; mandatory.

Mea culpa

An acknowledgement of one's error or guilt; a formal apology.

Cri de coeur

An impassioned plea or protest; a vehement expression of deep feeling.

De facto

Existing in reality, whether legally recognized or not; in effect.

Deus ex machina

A plot device where an unlikely, often abrupt, power or character solves a seemingly impossible problem in a story.

Sub rosa

In secret; confidentially; in a hidden manner.

Quid pro quo

An exchange of goods or services in which one transfer is dependent on the other; a favor for a favor.

Vox populi

The opinion or belief of the majority of people in a society or group.

Ad hoc

Formed, arranged, or done for a particular purpose only, often quickly and without preparation.

Magnum Opus

An artist's, writer's, or composer's greatest single work; a masterpiece.

Sine qua non

An essential condition; an indispensable and necessary thing.

Tabula Rasa

The mind in its hypothetical primary blank or empty state before receiving outside impressions; a clean slate.

Alma Mater

The university, school, or college one formerly attended.

Id Est (i.e.)

In other words; to clarify an earlier statement.

Terra Firma

Dry land, as opposed to water or air.

Dramatis Personae

The list of characters or actors in a play or story.

Per Diem

A daily allowance for expenses, typically used when traveling for work.

Verbatim

In exactly the same words as were originally used.

Carpe Diem

The philosophy that one should enjoy the present rather than dwelling on the future; make the most of the present moment.

In Memoriam

As a memorial; often used on plaques or written tributes to honor the deceased.

Caveat Emptor

The principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase.

In Media Res

Starting a narrative not at the beginning of the action, but somewhere in the middle.

Sic Semper Tyrannis

A statement indicating that tyrants will inevitably be overthrown; (often attributed as) a battle cry or threat against oppressive rulers.

Tempus Fugit

A reminder that time passes quickly.

Bona Fide

Genuine; sincere; without intention to deceive.

Aqua Vitae

A strong spirit or alcoholic liquor (like brandy or whiskey).

Ars Gratia Artis

The belief that art's only purpose is to be beautiful and does not require a moral or educational function.