Common Latin Phrases

From Horace (Odes 1.11). A call to live in the present. Popularized in English by the film Dead Poets Society.

Julius Caesar's report to the Roman Senate after his swift victory at the Battle of Zela in 47 BC.

René Descartes' foundational statement of existence. Latin because 17th-century scholars still wrote philosophy in Latin.

Medieval Christian meditation prompt. A reminder that mortality shapes how we should live today.

From Virgil (Georgics 3.284). Often inscribed on sundials as a reminder of mortality.

From Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, spoken as Caesar recognizes his friend among his assassins.

Said by Julius Caesar as he crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, committing to civil war.

From Virgil (Eclogues 10.69). Used in medieval literature, notably by Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales.

Motto of the United States, appearing on the Great Seal and US coinage. Symbolizes unity from diversity.

Appears above the pyramid on the reverse of the US Great Seal and the one-dollar bill.

Appears below the pyramid on the US Great Seal. Refers to the new American era.

Motto of the state of Virginia. Traditionally (but probably apocryphally) attributed to Brutus.

Motto of the US Marine Corps. Often shortened to Semper Fi.

Motto of the state of Kansas and a common expression of achievement through struggle.

In Deo speramus is the motto of Brown University. "In God We Trust" is the official US national motto.

Motto of Harvard University and a common heraldic device.

Motto of Yale University.

Used to describe something made or used for a specific immediate purpose. "An ad hoc committee" = a committee formed for one specific task.

Describes an endless continuation or repetition.

A "bona fide offer" is a genuine offer made without deceit. Common in legal and commercial contexts.

Describes what is true in practice, as opposed to de jure (by law). "English is the de facto language of air travel."

Describes what is formally established by law, as opposed to de facto.

Short for pro bono publico — "for the public good." Lawyers describe unpaid work as "pro bono."

A mutual exchange, one thing in return for another.

The current situation. Often used to describe what people want to preserve or change ("maintain the status quo").

A legal writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge. A cornerstone of civil liberties.

The legal doctrine that certain institutions (schools, guardians) take on parental responsibilities.

Used before a specific illustration. "Citrus fruits, e.g. oranges and lemons."

Used to clarify or restate. "The main event, i.e. the keynote speech." Not interchangeable with e.g.

Used to indicate a list continues with similar items. "Apples, oranges, bananas, etc."

Used in academic citations when a work has multiple authors. "Jones et al., 2020."

Draws the reader's attention to something important. Less common in modern writing.

Used to add a note at the end of a letter after the signature.

Before noon / after noon. The way English-speakers tell time.

Used to mark dates after Christ's birth. Increasingly replaced by CE (Common Era) in secular contexts.

Used in legal cases ("Brown v. Board of Education") and sports.

Libra was the Roman unit of weight. The abbreviation "lb" for pound comes directly from Latin.

Traditional Christian greeting, especially in Catholic liturgy.

Common expression of gratitude in Christian contexts.

A phrase Bach inscribed on his manuscripts (SDG), indicating that his music was dedicated to God.

The motto of the Benedictine Order. Saint Benedict's rule for monastic life.

Motto of the Jesuit order (abbreviated AMDG), inscribed on writings and dedications.

The opening words of the Latin Vulgate Bible (Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1).

Part of the Latin Mass. Also the title of a painting and musical setting.

Though the phrase itself is Greek (Κύριε ἐλέησον), it's used in the Latin Mass and is part of classical Christian vocabulary.