Spelling Words #11

Ad nauseam

adverb

Something that has been done or repeated so often that it has become annoying or tiresome.

boringly, endlessly, at length.

Carte Blanche

noun

Complete freedom or authority to act as one wishes or thinks best.

uninhibitedness, unrestraint, free hand.

De facto

adverb

In reality, actually existing, whether with lawful authority or not.

in fact, in practice, in effect

Alfresco

adverb

Outdoors, in the open air

external, exterior, outside

Modus operandi

noun

A particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or well-established.

recipe, plan, formula

En masse

adverb

In a group, all together, as a whole.

in a body, simultaneously, all at once

Al dente

adj

Cooked so as not to be too soft; firm to the bite.

well done, well cooked, medium

Ad hoc

adj

Created or done for a particular purpose as necessary

impromptu, expedient, extempore

Fait accompli

noun

An accomplished and presumably irreversible deed or fact.

accomplished fact, certainty, cold hard facts.

Caveat

noun

A warning or caution.

admonition, clause, stipulation

Persona non grata

noun

An unwelcome person

unacceptable person, bad news, objectionable person.

Patio

noun

An outdoor space for dining or recreation attached to a residence.

terrace, porch, sun deck

Deli

noun

A store selling cold cuts, cheeses, and a variety of salads, as well as a selection of unusual or foreign prepared foods.

delicatessen, food shop, bodega

Bon Voyage

noun/exclamation

Used to express good wishes to someone about to go on a journey

farewell, au revoir, good-bye.

Avant-garde

adj

favoring or introducing experimental or unusual ideas

innovative, original, inventive

Déjà vu

noun

A feeling of having already experienced the present situation

familiarity, past-life experience, recall.

Mea culpa

interjection/noun

An acknowledgment of one's fault or error

apology, regret, confession

Per se

adverb

By or in itself or themselves; intrinsically

essentially, of itself, by itself

Pro bono

adj

Denoting work undertaken without charge, especially legal work for a client with a low income.

gratis, free, unpaid

Status quo

noun

The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.

circumstances, existing condition, how things stand