Latin phrases often have actual meanings that vary from the literal translation, it depends on the language you are reading it. This is true in most languages; but it is perhaps more significant Latin, since the contexts and backgrounds are not as obvious to most of us today.
There are quite a few Latin words and phrases that appear in English, usually in written English but sometimes in spoken English too. Some of them are used more in certain areas such as law, medicine, business, etc. Generally, you do not need to learn and use many Latin phrases, but it could help you to recognize them when you see them.
Even though Latin is considered a dead language (no country officially speaks it), its influence upon other languages makes it very important. Latin words as well as expressions are present virtually in all the languages around the world, as well as on different scientific and academic fields.
Below is a list of common latin abbreviations:
- A.M. (ante meridiem): before midday
- B.A. (Baccalaureus Artium): Bachelor of Arts
- B.S., B.Sc. (Baccalaureus Scientiae): Bachelor of Science
- e.g. (exempli gratia): for example
- etc. (et cetera): and the rest, and so forth
- i.e. (id est): that is
- M.A. (Magister Artium): Master of Arts
- no. (numero): by number
- Ph.D. (Philosophiae Doctor): Doctor of Philosophy
- P.M. (post meridiem): after midday
- P.S. (post scriptum): written after
- R.I.P. (Requiescat in pace): Rest in peace
Famous Latin Phrases:
divide et impera: Divide and reign. It was a theory proposed by Niccolò Machiavelli and used previously by the Roman Senate to dominate the Mediterranean.
alea jacta est: the die is cast: This famous phrase was said by Julius Caesar upon crossing the Rubicon.
veni vidi vici: I came, I saw, I conquered. Another phrase said by Julius Caesar, this time upon the victory over Pharnaces, king of Pontus.
cogito ergo sum: I think, therefore I am. This phrase was originally said in French by René Descartes, and it represents a corner-stone of the Western philosophy.
carpe diem: seize the day. This phrase comes from a poem by Horace. The phrase was made famous when it was used on the movie Dead Poets Society.
Hope you have learn more on latin phrases.
awesome, now I know when to use these latin phrases.