Summary

Memorize some commonly used Latin phrases. Note that these are descriptions of how these terms are used today, not translations.

Well-known Latin phrases

Latin (memorize)	English description (memorize)
ante bellum	before the war
e.g. (abbreviation)	(exempli gratia) for example
caveat emptor	let the buyer beware
habeas corpus	legal action to release detained person (you must produce body)
etc. (abbreviation)	(et cetera) and the others
bona fide	genuine, sincere (in good faith)

Latin (memorize)	English description (memorize)
non sequitur	conclusion that doesn't follow from premise or evidence (it does not follow)
modus operandi	manner of operating
i.e. (abbreviation)	(id est) that is
in vitro	in a test-tube or laboratory environment (in the glass)
prima facie	upon first sight
alma mater	school or college
carpe diem	seize the day (use it well)

Latin (memorize)	English description (memorize)
affidavit	sworn statement usable in court (he has declared upon oath)
ipso facto	by the fact itself
de facto	as a matter of fact, though not of law
post mortem	after death
ad hominem	attack or appeal to feelings rather than reason

Latin (memorize)	English description (memorize)
a priori	from what was before.
ex post facto	retroactive, enacted after the fact
ad nauseam	to a disgusting or ridiculous degree
terra firma	solid ground
quid pro quo	giving something to get something in return

Latin (memorize)	English description (memorize)
addenda	things to be added
semper fidelis	always faithful
a cappella	without instruments (chapel style)
ad hoc	improvised (or for a special purpose)
status quo	the present state of affairs

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