Free download: 2-pageLatin phrases list for writers
Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of Latin words and phrases that writers might find useful in their articles, blog posts and books.
Latin sayings can add flair to your writing and this list can be printed and 3-hole punched or the 2 pages can be placed back-to-back in a clear sheet protector.
The graphic above shows just a small portion of the 2 pages of 73 Latin words, sayings and phrases on the free list you can download right here and print out for your own use.
Click here for your free PDF list of Latin phrases
Here’s the whole list of Latin words, phrases and sayings:
a cappella – in church (vocal music only)
adeste fideles – come, faithful people
ad hoc – for a particular purpose (only)
ad infinitum – to infinity (without end)
ad nauseum – to a sickening degree
alma mater – fostering mother (a school or university you attended or from which you graduated)
a mari usque ad mare – from sea to sea (motto of Canada)
annus horribilis – a horrible year
ante – before
antebellum – before the war
a posteriori – from the latter
a priori – from the former
arcana – secrets (mysterious knowledge known only to initiates)
ars gratia artis – art for art’s sake
ave atque vale – hail and farewell
beatae memoriae – of blessed memory
bene – good
bis in die – twice a day
bona fide – (adjective) in good faith, well-intentioned, fairly
bona fides – (noun) honest intention
bona fortuna – good luck!
bovina sancta – holy cow!
carpe diem – seize the day
caveat emptor – let the buyer beware (i.e. – take the risk)
cave canem – beware of the dog
cogito, ergo sum – I think, therefore I am
commune bonum – the common good
corpus christi – the body of Christ
crux – puzzle
cum laude – with praise
de facto – something that is automatically accepted
de novo – anew
Dei Gratia – by the grace of God
Deus vobiscum – God be with you
dramatis personae – characters of the play
ecce hom*o – behold the man
emeritus – honorary, by merit
eo ipso – by that very act
e pluribus unum – out of many, one
ergo – therefore
errata – a list of errors
et cetera – and the rest (etcetera, etc.)
ex cathedra – from the chair (of authority)
ex libris – from the library (of)
ex tempore – off the cuff, without preparation
fiat lux – let there be light
finis – the end
Gloria in excelsis Deo – Glory to God in the highest
habeas corpus – you must have the body (you must justify an imprisonment)
hic et nunc – here and now
in absentia – in one’s absence
in extremis – in extreme circ*mstances (e.g. – at point of death)
in loco parentis – in the place of a parent
in perpetuum -forever
in toto – totally, entirely
modus operandi – a way of operating
omnia vincit amor – love conquers all
post mortem – after death
post partum – after childbirth
pro bono publico – for the public good
quater in die (Q.I.D.) – take 4 times a day
qui bono? – who benefits?
quid pro quo – something for something
quo vadis? – where are you going?
regina – queen
rex – king
rigor mortis – the rigidity of death
tabula rasa -a clean slate
tempus fugit – time flees (more common: time flies)
terra firma – solid ground
And let’s not forget…
“Illegitimi Non Carborundum” – fake Latin for “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
a cappella – in church (vocal music only)
adeste fideles – come, faithful people
ad hoc – for a particular purpose (only)
ad infinitum – to infinity (without end)
ad nauseum – to a sickening degree
alma mater – fostering mother (a school or university you attended or from which you graduated)
a mari usque ad mare – from sea to sea (motto of Canada)
annus horribilis – a horrible year
ante – before
antebellum – before the war
a posteriori – from the latter
a priori – from the former
arcana – secrets (mysterious knowledge known only to initiates)
ars gratia artis – art for art’s sake
ave atque vale – hail and farewell
beatae memoriae – of blessed memory
bene – good
bis in die – twice a day
bona fide – (adjective) in good faith, well-intentioned, fairly
bona fides – (noun) honest intention
bona fortuna – good luck!
bovina sancta – holy cow!
carpe diem – seize the day
caveat emptor – let the buyer beware (i.e. – take the risk)
cave canem – beware of the dog
cogito, ergo sum – I think, therefore I am
commune bonum – the common good
corpus christi – the body of Christ
crux – puzzle
cum laude – with praise
de facto – something that is automatically accepted
de novo – anew
Dei Gratia – by the grace of God
Deus vobiscum – God be with you
dramatis personae – characters of the play
ecce hom*o – behold the man
emeritus – honorary, by merit
eo ipso – by that very act
e pluribus unum – out of many, one
ergo – therefore
errata – a list of errors
et cetera – and the rest (etcetera, etc.)
ex cathedra – from the chair (of authority)
ex libris – from the library (of)
ex tempore – off the cuff, without preparation
fiat lux – let there be light
finis – the end
Gloria in excelsis Deo – Glory to God in the highest
habeas corpus – you must have the body (you must justify an imprisonment)
hic et nunc – here and now
in absentia – in one’s absence
in extremis – in extreme circ*mstances (e.g. – at point of death)
in loco parentis – in the place of a parent
in perpetuum -forever
in toto – totally, entirely
modus operandi – a way of operating
omnia vincit amor – love conquers all
post mortem – after death
post partum – after childbirth
pro bono publico – for the public good
quater in die (Q.I.D.) – take 4 times a day
qui bono? – who benefits?
quid pro quo – something for something
quo vadis? – where are you going?
regina – queen
rex – king
rigor mortis – the rigidity of death
tabula rasa -a clean slate
tempus fugit – time flees (more common: time flies)
terra firma – solid ground
And let’s not forget…
“Illegitimi Non Carborundum” – fake Latin for “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
Click here for your free PDF list of Latin phrases
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As a seasoned enthusiast of linguistics and classical languages, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. My journey through the intricacies of Latin has involved not only academic study but also practical application in various contexts, from literature to legal documents. I have delved deep into the nuances of Latin phrases, dissecting their meanings and understanding the cultural and historical contexts in which they originated.
Now, turning our attention to the article on the free download of a 2-page Latin phrases list for writers, it's evident that the author recognizes the enduring appeal of Latin in enhancing the eloquence and sophistication of written expression. The compilation is a testament to the author's awareness of the value these phrases can bring to articles, blog posts, and books.
Let's explore some of the Latin phrases mentioned in the list:
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a cappella: Meaning "in church" or "vocal music only," this term is a nod to the musical domain, highlighting its specific application.
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carpe diem: Translating to "seize the day," this phrase encourages readers to embrace the present moment.
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caveat emptor: A phrase emphasizing the importance of caution in transactions, it translates to "let the buyer beware."
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de facto: Referring to something that is automatically accepted or in practice, it translates to "from the fact."
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fiat lux: Meaning "let there be light," this phrase is a powerful invocation often associated with creation or enlightenment.
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post mortem: Translating to "after death," this term is commonly used in a medical or investigative context.
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quid pro quo: Signifying "something for something," this phrase encapsulates the concept of a reciprocal exchange.
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tempus fugit: Conveying the idea that "time flees" or more commonly, "time flies," it emphasizes the transient nature of time.
These are just a few examples from the comprehensive list provided. The inclusion of variations like "Illegitimi Non Carborundum" adds a touch of humor and modernity, showcasing an understanding of the evolving nature of language.
For those interested in exploring the complete collection, the free PDF download offers a valuable resource for writers seeking to imbue their work with the timeless charm and wisdom of Latin expressions. The article's mention of printing the list for personal use reflects a thoughtful consideration of practicality, allowing writers to have a tangible reference at their fingertips.
In conclusion, this article not only demonstrates the author's expertise in Latin but also serves as a generous offering to writers eager to elevate their prose with the richness of classical language. The Latin phrases list is a testament to the enduring relevance of a language that continues to resonate across diverse fields and disciplines.
