PlayInfoBox

Home /Language /Common Latin Phrases Used in Everyday English

Common Latin Phrases Used in Everyday English

English absorbed a huge number of Latin phrases that are still used constantly today, often without anyone stopping to translate them.

"Et cetera" (etc.) β€” "and the rest"

Used to indicate a list continues in a similar pattern rather than naming every item. It literally translates to "and other things."

"Vice versa" β€” "the position being reversed"

Used to indicate that a statement also applies in the opposite direction, as in "she trusts him, and vice versa," meaning he trusts her too.

"Quid pro quo" β€” "something for something"

Refers to a favor or advantage given in exchange for something else. It shows up constantly in legal, political, and business contexts, sometimes carrying a negative connotation of an improper exchange.

"Ad hoc" β€” "for this"

Describes something created or done for a specific, immediate purpose rather than as part of a general plan, like an "ad hoc committee" formed to handle one particular issue.

"De facto" β€” "in fact"

Describes something that exists in practice, regardless of whether it is officially recognized or legally established. The counterpart term, "de jure," means "by law."

"Status quo" β€” "the state in which"

Refers to the current or existing state of affairs, often used when discussing whether to preserve or change it.

"Bona fide" β€” "in good faith"

Describes something genuine or made without deceptive intent, such as a "bona fide offer."

"Per se" β€” "by itself"

Used to isolate something from a broader context, as in "the plan isn't bad per se, but the timing is wrong," meaning the plan itself isn't the problem.

"Alma mater" β€” "nourishing mother"

Refers to the school or university a person graduated from, framed as an institution that "nourished" its students' education.

"In absentia" β€” "in absence"

Describes something happening without a person present, most commonly heard in legal contexts like being tried or sentenced "in absentia."

Why so much Latin survives in everyday English

A large share of English vocabulary, especially legal, academic, and formal vocabulary, traces back to Latin β€” partly through Latin's role as the language of law, the church, and scholarship in Europe for centuries, and partly through Latin-derived French entering English after the Norman Conquest.

Legal writing kept an especially large dose of Latin

Fields like law and medicine held onto Latin terminology longer than everyday speech did, which is why phrases like "de facto," "prima facie," and "habeas corpus" still show up constantly in legal writing today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these phrases need to be italicized in writing?

Style guides vary. Some treat thoroughly naturalized phrases like 'et cetera' or 'vice versa' as ordinary English that no longer needs italics, while less common Latin terms are still often italicized. When in doubt, follow whatever style guide governs the document.

Is it wrong to use these phrases in casual conversation?

No β€” several of them, like 'quid pro quo' or 'status quo,' show up so often in everyday news and conversation that most people no longer think of them as foreign phrases at all.