Legal maxim, a broad proposition (usually stated in a fixed Latin form), a number of which have been

used by lawyers since the 17th century or earlier. An established principle or proposition. A principle
of law universally admitted, as being a correct statement of the law, or as agreeable to natural reason.
Coke defines a maxim to be conclusion of reason, and says that it is so called quia maxima ejus
dignitas et certissima auctorir tas, et quod maxime omnibus probetur. Co. Litt. llo. He says in another
place: A maxime is a proposition to be of all men confessed and granted without proof, argument, or
discourse.
Some of them can be traced to earlyRoman law. Much more general in scope than ordinary rules of
law, legal maxims commonly formulate a legal policy or ideal that judges are supposed to consider in
deciding cases. Maxims do not normally have the dogmatic authority of statutes and are usually not
considered to be law except to the extent of their application in adjudicated cases. In California some
maxims have been incorporated into the civil code; one example is, Anyone may waive the
advantage of a law intended solely for his benefit. But a law established for a public reason cannot be
contravened by a private agreement. (Thus, an agreement not to invoke the statute of limitations is
binding, but an agreement not to plead that a certain contract constitutes an illegal restraint of trade is
not.) Another example is, The law never requires impossibilities: Lex non cogit ad impossibilia.
(Thus, an actor who becomes ill is excused from performing even though his contract does not so
state.)
With the expansion of commerce and industry in the 16th and 17th centuries, English courts were
called upon to decide many novel cases for which the rules of medieval common lawprovided little or
no guidance, and judges felt the need for broad, authoritative principles to support their decisions.
The English lawyer and philosopher Francis Bacon (15611626) composed a collection of maxims of
the common law in Latin with an elaborate English commentary on each; and the writings of the
English jurist Sir Edward Coke (15521634) were replete with similar Latin aphorisms, some
borrowed from Roman law, others invented. Collections of maxims, usually followed by explanatory
comments and references to illustrative cases, continued to appear during the next three centuries
in England and the United States. With the accumulation of statutes, precedents, and voluminous
textbooks, however, the maxims steadily declined in importance. Eventually, they were criticized by
judges for what had once been considered their most valuable characteristic: their generality and
vagueness. Although some of the ideas embodied in them retain considerable influence, the maxims
themselves are now less often referred to.
Legal maxims are invoked with more frequency in international law, where their breadth and implied
universal acceptance has greater appeal.

List of legal maxim

A mensa et thoro - From bed and board.
A vinculo matrimonii - From the bond of matrimony.
Ab extra - From outside.
Ab initio - From the beginning.
Absoluta sententia expositore non indiget - An absolute judgment needs no expositor.
Abundans cautela non nocet - Abundant caution does no harm.

Accessorium non ducit sed sequitur suum principale - An accessory does not draw, but follows its principal.
Accessorius sequitur - One who is an accessory to the crime cannot be guilty of a more serious crime than the principal
offender.
Acta exteriora iudicant interiora secreta - Outward acts indicate the inward intent.
Actio non accrevit infra sex annos - The action has not accrued within six years.
Actio non datur non damnificato - An action is not given to one who is not injured.
Actio personalis moritur cum persona - A personal action dies with the person.
Actiones legis - Law suits.
Actori incumbit onus probandi - The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff.
Actus nemini facit injuriam - The act of the law does no one wrong.
Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea - The act does not make one guilty unless there be a criminal intent.
Actus reus - A guilty deed or act.
Ad ea quae frequentius acciduunt jura adaptantur - The laws are adapted to those cases which occur more frequently.
Ad hoc - For this purpose.
Ad infinitum - Forever, without limit, to infinity.
Ad perpetuam rei memoriam - For a perpetual memorial of the matter.
Ad quaestionem facti non respondent judices; ad quaestionem legis non respondent juratores - The judges do not answer to a
question of fact; the jury do not answer to a question of Law.
Aedificare in tuo proprio solo non licet quod alteri noceat - It is not lawful to build on one's own land what may be injurious to
another.
Aequitas legem sequitur - Equity follows the law.
Aequitas nunquam contravenit legem - Equity never contradicts the law.
Alibi - At another place, elsewhere.
Alienatio rei praefertur juri accrescendi - Alienation is preferred by law rather than accumulation.
Aliunde - From elsewhere, or, from a different source
Allegans contraria non est audiendus - One making contradictory statements is not to be heard.
Allegans suam turpitudinem non est audiendus - One alleging his own infamy is not to be heard.
Allegatio contra factum non est admittenda - An allegation contrary to a deed is not to be heard.
Ambiguitas contra stipulatorem est - An ambiguity is most strongly construed against the party using it.
Ambiguitas verborum patens nulla verificatione excluditur - A patent ambiguity is never helped by averment.
Amicus curiae - A friend of the Court.

Angliae jura in omni casu libertati dant favorem - The laws of England are favorable in every case to liberty.
Animo furandi - With an intention of stealing.
Animo testandi - With an intention of making a will.
Annus luctus - The year of mourning.
Ante - Before.
Aqua currit et debet currere, ut currere solebat - Water runs and ought to run.
Arbitrium est judicium - An award is a judgment.
Arbor dum crescit; lignum cum crescere nescit - A tree while it grows, wood when it cannot grow.
Argumentum ab auctoritate fortissimum est in lege - An argument drawn from authority is the strongest in law.
Argumentum ab impossibilii plurimum valet in lege - An argument from impossibility is very strong in law.
Argumentum ad hominem - An argument directed a the person.
Argumentum ad ignoratiam - An argument based upon ignorance (i.e. of one's adversary).
Arma in armatos sumere jura sinunt - The laws permit the taking up of arms against the armed.
Assentio mentium - The meeting of minds, i.e. mutual assent.
Assignatus utitur jure auctoris - An assignee is clothed with rights of his assignor.
Audi alteram partem - Hear the other side.
Aula regis - The King's Court.
B
Benignior sententia in verbis generalibus seu dubiis est preferenda - The more favorable construction is to be placed on general
or doubtful words.
Bis dat qui cito dat - He gives (pays) twice who pays promptly.
Bona fide - Sincere, in good faith
Bona vacantia - Goods without an owner
Boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem - It is the part of a good judge to enlarge his jurisdiction, i.e. remedial authority.
Boni judicis est judicium sine dilatione mandare executioni - It is the duty of a good judge to cause execution to issue on a
judgment without delay.
Boni judicis lites dirimere est - It is the duty of a good judge to prevent litigation.
Bonus judex secundum aequum et bonum judicat et aequitatem stricto juri praefert - A good judge decides according to justice
and right and prefers equity to strict law.
Breve judiciale non cadit pro defectu formae - A judicial writing does not fail through defect of form.

C
Cadit quaestio - The matter admits of no further argument.
Cassetur billa (breve) - Let the writ be quashed.
Casus fortuitus non est spectandus; et nemo tenetur divinare - A fortuitous event is not to be foreseen and no person is bound
to divine it.
Catalla reputantur inter minima in lege - Chattels are considered in law among the minor things.
Causa proxima, non remota spectatur - The immediate, and not the remote cause is to be considered.
Caveat emptor - Let the purchaser beware.
Caveat venditor - Let the seller beware.
Cepi corpus et est languidum - I have taken the body and the prisoner is sick.
Cepi corpus et paratum habeo - I have taken the body and have it ready.
Ceteris paribus - Other things being equal.
Consensu - Unanimously or, by general consent.
Consensus ad idem - Agreement as to the same things.
Consuetudo loci observanda est - The custom of the place is to be observed.
Contemporanea expositio est optima et fortissima in lege - A contemporaneous exposition is best and most powerful in law.
Contra - To the contrary.
Contra bonos mores - Against good morals.
Contra non valentem agere nulla currit praescriptio - No prescription runs against a person not able to act.
Contractus est quasi actus contra actum - A contract is an act as it were against an act.
Conventio et modus vincunt legem - A contract and agreement overcome the law.
Conventio privatorum non potest publico juri derogare - An agreement of private persons cannot derogate from public right.
Coram Domino Rege - In the presence of our Lord the King.
Coram non judice - Before one who is not a judge.
Corpus - Body.
Corpus delicti - The body, i.e. the gist of crime.
Corpus humanum non recipit aestimationem - A human body is not susceptible of appraisement.
Crescente malitia crescere debet et poena - Vice increasing, punishment ought also to increase.
Crimen omnia ex se nata vitiat - Crime vitiates every thing, which springs from it.
Crimen trahit personam - The crime carries the person.

Cujus est dare, ejus est disponere - He who has a right to give has the right to dispose of the gift.
Cujus est solum, ejus est usque ad coelam; et ad inferos - He who owns the soil owns it up to the sky; and to its depth.
Cum duo inter se pugnantia reperiuntur in testamentis ultimum ratum est - When two things repugnant to each other are found
in a will, the last is to be confirmed.
Cursus curiae est lex curiae - The practice of the court is the law of the court.
Custos morum - A guardian of morals.
D
Damnum sine injuria - damage without legal injury.
De bonis asportatis - Of goods carried away.
De bonis non administratis - Of goods not administered.
De die in diem - From day to day.
De facto - In fact.
De futuro - In the future.
De integro - As regards the whole.
De jure - Rightful, by right.
De minimis lex non curat - The law does not notice trifling matters.
De novo - Starting afresh.
Debile fundamentum fallit opus - Where there is a weak foundation, the work fails.
Debita sequuntur personam debitoria - Debts follow the person of the debtor.
Debitor non praesumitur donare - A debtor is not presumed to make a gift.
Debitum et contractus sunt nullius loci - Debt and contract are of no particular place.
Debitum in praesenti, solvendum in futuro - A present debt is to be discharged in the future.
Delegata potestas non potest delegari - A delegated authority cannot be again delegated.
Derivativa potestas non potest esse major primitiva - The power which is derived cannot be greater than that from which it is
derived.
Deus solus haeredem facere potest, non homo - God alone, not man, can make an heir.
Dies Dominicus non est juridicus - Sunday is not a day in law.
Discretio est discernere per legem quid sit justum - Discretion is to discern through law what is just.
Doli incapax - Incapable of crime.
Dominium - Ownership.
Domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium - Every man s house is his safest refuge.

Dona clandestina sunt semper suspiciosa - Clandestine gifts are always suspicious.
Dormiunt leges aliquando, nunquam moriuntur - The laws sometimes sleep, but never die.
Doti lex favet; praemium pudoris est; ideo parcatur - The law favors dower; it is the reward of chastity, therefore let it be
preserved.
Dubitante - Doubting the correctness of the decision.
Duo non possunt in solido unam rem possidere - Two cannot possess one thing each in entirety.
E
Ei incumbit probatio qui - The onus of proving a fact rests upon the man.
Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat - The burden of the proof lies upon him who affirms, not he who denies.
Error, qui non resistitur approbatur - An error not resisted is approved.
Et cetera - Other things of that type.
Ex cathedra - With official authority.
Ex concessis - In view of what has already been accepted/
Ex dolo malo actio non oritur - A right of action cannot arise out of fraud.
Ex facie - On the fact of it.
Ex gratia - Out of kindness, voluntary.
Ex nihilo nil fit - From nothing nothing comes.
Ex nudo pacto actio non oritur - No action arises on a contract without a consideration.
Ex parte - Proceeding brought by one person in the absence of another.
Ex post facto - By reason of a subsequent act.
Ex praecedentibus et consequentibus optima fit interpretatio - The best interpretation is made from things preceding and
following.
Ex turpi causa non oritur actio - No action arises on an immoral contract.
Exceptio probat regulam - An exception proves the rule.
Executio est executio juris secundum judicium - Execution is the fulfillment of the law in accordance with the judgment.
Executio est finis et fructus legis - An execution is the end and the fruit of the law.
Executio legis non habet injuriam - Execution of the law does no injury.
Extra legem positus est civiliter mortuus - One out of the pale of the law (i.e. an outlaw) is civilly dead.
F
Faciendum - Something which is to be done.

Factum - An act or deed.

Facultas probationum non est angustanda - The right of offering proof is not to be narrowed.
Falsa demonstratio non nocet - A false description does not vitiate.
Fatetur facinus qui judicium fugit - He who flees judgment confesses his guilt.
Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas - Happy is he who has been able to understand the causes of things.
Felonia implicatur in qualibet proditione - Felony is implied in every treason.
Festinatio justitiae est noverca infortunii - The hurrying of justice is the stepmother of misfortune.
Fictio cedit veritati; fictio juris non est, ubi veritas - Fiction yields to truth. Where truth is, fiction of law does not exist.
Fides servanda est - Good faith is to be preserved.
Fieri facias (abreviated fi. fa.) - That you cause to be made.
Filiatio non potest probari - Filiation cannot be proved.
Firmior et potentior est operatio legis quam dispositio hominis - The operation of law is firmer and more powerful than the will of
man.
Forma legalis forma essentialis est - Legal form is essential form.
Fortior est custodia legis quam hominis - The custody of the law is stronger than that of man.
Fractionem diei non recipit lex - The law does not regard a fraction of a day.
Fraus est celare fraudem - It is a fraud to conceal a fraud.
Fraus est odiosa et non praesumenda - Fraud is odious and is not to be presumed.
Fraus et jus nunquam cohabitant - Fraud and justice never dwell together.
Fructus naturales - Vegetation which grows naturally without cultivation.
Frustra probatur quod probatum non relevat - That is proved in vain which when proved is not relevant.
Furor contrahi matrimonium non sinit, quia consensus opus est - Insanity prevents marriage from being contracted because
consent is needed.
G
Generale nihil certum implicat - A general expression implies nothing certain.
Generalia praecedunt, specialia sequuntur - Things general precede, things special follow.
Generalia specialibus non derogant - Things general do not derogate from things special.
Generalis regula generaliter est intelligenda - A general rule is to be generally understood.
Gravius est divinam quam temporalem laedere majestatem - It is more serious to hurt divine than temporal majesty.
I
Id est (i.e) - That is.

Id quod commune est, nostrum esse dicitur - That which is common is said to be ours.
Idem - The same person or thing.
Idem nihil dicere et insufficienter dicere est - It is the same to say nothing as not to say enough.
Ignorantia facti excusat, ignorantia juris non excusat - Ignorance of fact excuses, ignorance of law does not excuse.
Imperium in imperio - A sovereignty within a sovereignty.
Impotentia excusat legem - Impossibility is an excuse in the law.
Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat - Impunity always leads to greater crimes.
In aequali jure melior est conditio possidentis - When the parties have equal rights, the condition of the possessor is better.
In alta proditione nullus potest esse acessorius; sed principalis solum modo - In high treason no one can be an accessory; but a
principal only.
In Anglia non est interregnum - In England there is no interregnum.
In camera - In private.
In casu extremae necessitatis omnia sunt communia - In a case of extreme necessity everything is common.
In criminalibus probationes debent esse luce clariores - In criminal cases the proofs ought to be cleared than the light.
In curia domini regis, ipse in propria persona jura discernit - In the King s Court, the King himself in his own person dispenses
justice.
In delicto - At fault.
In esse - In existence.
In extenso - At full length.
In fictione legis aequitas existit - A legal fiction is consistent with equity.
In foro conscientiae - In the forum of conscience.
In futoro - In the future.
In jure non remota causa sed proxima spectatur - In law not the remote but the proximate cause is looked at.
In limine - At the outset, on the threshold.
In loco parentis - In place of the parent.
In mortua manu - In a dead hand.
In novo casu novum remedium apponendum est - In a new case a new remedy is to be applied.
In omni re nascitur res quae ipsam rem exterminat - In everything is born that which destroys the thing itself.
In omnibus - In every respect.
In pari delicto potior est conditio possidentis - When the parties are equally in the wrong the condition of the possessor is better.

In personam - Against the person.

In pleno - In full.
In quo quis delinquit in eo de jure est puniendus - In whatever thing one offends in that he is to be punished according to law.
In re dubia magis inficiatio quam affirmatio intelligenda - In a doubtful matter the negative is to be understood rather than the
affirmative.
In republica maxime conservanda sunt jura belli - In a State the laws of war are to be especially observed.
In situ - In its place.
In terrorem - As a warning or deterrent.
In testamentis plenius testatoris intentionem scrutamur - In wills we seek diligently the intention of the testator.
In traditionibus scriptorum non quod dictum est, sed quod gestum est, inspicitur - In the delivery of writings (deeds), not what is
said but what is done is to be considered.
In verbis, non verba sed res et ratio quaerenda est - In words, not words, but the thing and the meaning are to be inquired into.
Indicia - Marks, signs.
Injuria non excusat injuriam - A wrong does not excuse a wrong.
Intentio inservire debet legibus, non leges intentioni - Intention ought to be subservient to the laws, not the laws to the intention.
Inter alia - Amongst other things.
Interest reipublicae res judicatas non rescindi - It is in the interest of the State that things adjudged be not rescinded.
Interest reipublicae suprema hominum testamenta rata haberi - It is in the interest of the State that men s last wills be sustained.
Interest reipublicae ut quilibet re sua bene utatur - It is in the interest of the State that every one use properly his own property.
Interest reipublicase ut sit finis litium - It is in the interest of the State that there be an end to litigation.
Interim - Temporary, in the meanwhile.
Interpretare et concordare leges legibus est optimus interpretandi modus - To interpret and harmonize laws is the best method
of interpretation.
Interpretatio fienda est ut res magis valeat quam pereat - Such a construction is to be made that the thing may have effect rather
than it should fail.
Interruptio multiplex non tollit praescriptionem semel obtentam - Repeated interruption does not defeat a prescription once
obtained.
Invito beneficium non datur - A benefit is not conferred upon one against his consent.
Ipsissima verba - The very words of a speaker.
Ipso facto - By that very fact.
Ira furor brevis est - Anger is brief insanity.
Iter arma leges silent - In war the laws are silent.

J
Judex est lex loquens - A judge is the law speaking.
Judex non potest esse testis in propira causa - A judge cannot be witness in his own cause.
Judex non potest injuriam sibi datam punire - A judge cannon punish a wrong done to himself.
Judex non reddit plus quam quod petens ipse requirit - A judge does not give more than the plaintiff himself demands.
Judiciis posterioribus fides est adhibenda - Faith must be given to later decisions.
Judicis est judicare secundum allegata et probata - It is the duty of a judge to decide according to the allegations and the proofs.
Judicium non debet esse illusorium, suum effectum habere debet - A judgment ought not to be illusory; it ought to have its
proper effect.
Juduces non tenentur exprimere causam sententiae suae - Judges are not bound to explain the reason of their judgment.
Jura naturae sunt immutabilia - The laws of nature are immutable.
Jura publica anteferenda privatis juribus - Public rights are to be preferred to private rights.
Juramentum est indivisibile et non est admittendum in parte verum et in parte falsum - An oath is indivisible and it is not to be
held partly true and partly false.
Jurare est Deum in testem vocare, et est actus divini cultus - To swear is to call God to witness and is an act of divine worship.
Jus - A right that is recognised in law.
Jus accrescendi praefertur oneribus - The right of survivorship is preferred to incumbrances.
Jus ad rem; jus in re - A right to a thing; a right in a thing.
Jus dicere, non jus dare - To declare the law, not to make the law.
Jus est norma recti; et quicquid est contra normam recti est injuria - The law is a rule of right; and whatever is contrary to a rule
of right is an injury.
Jus naturale - Natural justice.
Jus naturale est quod apud omnes homines eandem habet potentiam - Natural right is that which has the same force among all
men.
Jus scriptum aut non scriptum - The written law or the unwritten law.
Jusjurandum inter alios factum nec nocere nec prodesse debet - An oath made between third parties ought neither to hurt nor
profit.
Justitia est duplec; severe puniens et vere praeveniens - Justice is two-fold; severely punishing and in reality prohibiting
(offences).
Justitia firmatur solium - The throne is established by justice.
Justitia nemini neganda est - Justice is to be denied to no one
L
Leges posteriores priores contrarias abrogant - Subsequent laws repeal prior conflicting ones.

Legibus sumptis desinentibus legibus naturae utendum est - When laws imposed by the State fail, we must use the laws of
nature.
Lex aliquando sequitur aequitatem - The law sometimes follows equity.
Lex citius tolerare vult privatum damnum quam publicum malum - The law would rather tolerate a private injury than a public
evil.
Lex dabit remedium - The law will give a remedy.
Lex dilationes abhorret - The law abhors delays.
Lex est judicum tutissimus ductor - The law is the safest guide for judges.
Lex est sanctio sancta jubens honesta et prohibens contraria - The law is a sacred sanction, commanding what is right and
prohibiting the contrary.
Lex indendit vicinum vicini facta scire - The law presumes that one neighbor knows the acts of another.
Lex necessitatis est lex temporis i.e. instantis - The law of necessity is the law of time, that is time present.
Lex neminem cogit ad vana seu impossiblia - The law compels no one to do vain or impossible things.
Lex nil frustra facit - The law does nothing in vain.
Lex non a rege est violanda - The law must not be violated even by the King.
Lex non deficere potest in justitia exhibenda - The law cannot fail in dispensing justice.
Lex non novit patrem, nec matrem; solam veritatem - The law does not know neither father nor mother, only the truth.
Lex non oritur ex injuria - The law does not arise from a mere injury.
Lex non requirit verificari quod apparet curiae - The law does not require that to be proved which is apparent to the Court.
Lex non favet delicatorum votis - The law does not favor the wishes of the dainty.
Lex plus laudatur quando ratione probatur - The law is the more praised when it is supported by reason.
Lex prospicit not respicit - The law looks forwared, not backward.
Lex punit mendaciam - The law punishes falsehood.
Lex rejicit superflua, pugnatia, incongrua - The law rejects superfluous, contradictory and incongruous things.
Lex spectat naturae ordinem - The law regards the order of nature.
Lex succurrit ignoranti - The law succors the ignorant.
Lex tutissima cassis, sub clypeo legis nemo decipitur - Law is the safest helmet; under the shield of the law no one is deceived.
Lex uno ore omnes alloquitur - The law speaks to all through one mouth.
Longa possessio est pacis jus - Long possession is the law of peace.
Longa possessio parit jus possidendi et tollit actionem vero domino - Long possession produces the right of possession and
takes away from the true owner his action.

M
Magister rerum usus; magistra rerum experientia - Use is the master of things; experience is the mistress of things.
Major continet in se minus - The greater contains the less.
Majus est delictum se ipsum occidere quam alium - It is a greater crime to kill one s self than another.
Mala fide - In bad faith.
Mala grammatica non vitiat chartam - Bad grammar does not vitiate a deed.
Mala in se - Bad in themselves.
Mala prohibita - Crimes prohibited.
Malitia supplet aesatem - Malice supplies age.
Malo animo - With evil intent.
Mandamus - We command.
Maximus magister erroris populus est - The people are the greatest master of error.
Melior est conditio possidentis, ubi neuter jus habet - Better is the condition of the possessor where neither of the two has the
right.
Melior testatoris in testamentis spectanda est - In wills the intention of a testator is to be regarded.
Meliorem conditionem suam facere potest minor deteriorem nequaquam - A minor can make his position better, never worse.
Mens rea - Guilty state of mind.
Mentiri est contra mentem ire - To lie is to act against the mind.
Merito beneficium legis amittit, qui legem ipsam subvertere intendit - He justly loses the benefit of the law who seeks to infringe
the law.
Minatur innocentibus qui parcit nocentibus - He threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.
Misera est servitus, ubi jus est vagum aut incertum - It is a miserable slavery where the law is vague or uncertain.
Mors dicitur ultimum supplicium - Death is called the extreme penalty.
Muilta exercitatione facilius quam regulis percipies - You will perceive many things more easily by experience than by rules.
N
Nam nemo haeres viventis - For no one is an heir of a living person.
Naturae vis maxima est - The force of nature is the greatest.
Necessitas inducit privilegium quoad jura privata - With respect to private rights necessity induces privilege.
Necessitas non habet legem - Necessity has no law.
Necessitas publica est major quam privata - Public necessity is greater than private necessity.
Negligentia semper habet infortuniam comitem - Negligence always has misfortune for a companion.

Nemo admittendus est inhabilitare se ipsum - No one is allowed to incapacitate himself.

Nemo bis punitur pro eodem delicto - No one can be twice punished for the same offence.
Nemo cogitur suam rem vendere, etiam justo pretio - No one is bound to sell his own property, even for a just price.
Nemo contra factum suum venire potest - No man can contradict his own deed.
Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa - No one can be judge in his own case.
Nemo plus juris transferre ad alium potest quam ipse habet - No one can transfer to another a larger right than he himself has.
Nemo potest contra recordum verificare per patriam - No one can verify by the country, that is, through a jury, against the
record.
Nemo potest esse tenens et dominus - No one can at the same time be a tenant and a landlord (of the same tenement).
Nemo potest facere per alium, quod per se non potest - No one can do through another what he cannot do himself.
Nemo potest mutare consilium suum in alterius injuriam - No one can change his purpose to the injury of another.
Nemo praesumitur esse immemor suae aeternae salutis et maxime in articulo mortis - No one is presumed to be forgetful of his
eternal welfare, and particularly in the hour of death.
Nemo prohibetur pluribus defensionibus uti - No one is forbidden to make use of several defences.
Nemo punitur pro alieno delicto - No one is punished for the crime of another.
Nemo se accusare debet, nisi coram Deo - No one should accuse himself except in the presence of God.
Nemo tenetur accusare se ipsum nisi coram Deo - No one is bound to accuse himself except in the presence of God.
Nemo tenetur armare adversarium contra se - No one is bound to arm his adversary against himself.
Nexus - Connection
Nihil quod est inconveniens est licitum - Nothing inconvenient is lawful.
Nil facit error nominis cum de corpore constat - An error of name makes not difference when it appears from the body of the
instrument.
Nisi - Unless
Non compus mentis - Not of sound mind and understanding
Non constat - It is not certain
Non decipitur qui scit se decipi - He is not deceived who knows that he is deceived.
Non definitur in jure quid sit conatus - What an attempt is, is not defined in law.
Non est arctius vinculum inter homines quam jusjurandum - There is no stronger link among men than an oath.
Non est factum - It is not his deed
Non est informatus - He is not informed.
Non facias malum ut inde veniat bonum - You shall not do evil that good may come of it.

Non jus, sed seisina, facit stipitem - Not right, but seisin makes a stock (from which the inheritance must descend).
Non refert quid notum sit judici si notum non sit in forma judicii - It matters not what is known to the judge if it is not known
judicially.
Non sequitur - An inconsistent statement, it does not follow
Nullus commodum capere potest ex sua injuria propria - No one can derive an advantage from his own wrong.
Nullus recedat e curia cancellaria sine remedio - No one should depart from a Court of Chancery without a remedy.
O
Omne sacramentum debet esse de certa scientia - Every oath ought to be of certain knowledge.
Omnia delicta in aperto leviora sunt - All crimes (committed) in the open are (considered) lighter.
Omnia praesumuntur contra spoliatorem - All things are presumed against a wrongdoer.
Omnis innovatio plus novitate perturbat quam utilitate prodeat - Every innovation disturbs more by its novelty than it benefits by
its utility.
Optima legum interpres est consuetudo - The best interpreter of laws is custom.
Optimus interpres rerum est usus - The best interpreter of things is usage.
P
Pacta privata juri publico non derogare possunt - Private contracts cannot derogate from public law.
Par delictum - Equal fault.
Pari passu - On an equal footing.
Partus sequitur ventrem - The offspring follows the mother.
Pater est quem nuptiae demonstrant - The father is he whom the marriage points out.
Peccata contra naturam sunt gravissima - Wrongs against nature are the most serious.
Pendente lite nihil innovetur - During litigation nothing should be changed.
Per curiam - In the opinion of the court.
Per minas - By means of menaces or threats.
Per quod - By reason of which.
Post mortem - After death.
Prima facie - On the face of it.
Prima impressionis - On first impression.
Pro hac vice - For this occasion.

Pro rata - In proportion.

Pro tanto - So far, to that extent.
Pro tempore - For the time being.
Publici juris - Of public right.
Q
Quaeitur - The question is raised.
Quantum - How much, an amount.
Qui facit per alium, facit per se - He who acts through another acts himself.
Qui haeret in litera, haeret in cortice - He who stices to the letter, sticks to the bark.
Qui in utero est, pro jam nato habetur, quoties de ejus commodo quaeritur - He who is in the womb is considered as already
born as far as his benefit is considered.
Qui non habet potestatem alienandi, habet necessitatem retinendi - He who has not the power of alienating is under the
necessity of retaining.
Qui non habet, ille non dat - He who has not, does not give.
Qui non improbat, approbat - He who does not disapprove, approves.
Qui non obstat quod obstare potest facere videtur - He who does not prevent what he is able to prevent, is considered as
committing the thing.
Qui non prohibet quod prohibere potest assentire videtur - He who does not prohibit when he is able to prohibit, is in fault.
Qui peccat ebrius, luat sobrius - He who does wrong when drunk must be punished when sober.
Qui potest et debet vetare et non vetat jubet - He who is able and ought to forbit and does not, commands.
Qui prior est tempore potior est jure - He who is prior in time is stronger in right.
Qui sentit commodum, debet et sentire onus - He who derives a benefit ought also to bear a burden.
Qui tacet consentire videtur - He who is silent appears to consent.
Quid pro quo - Consideration. something for something.
Quidcquid plantatur solo, solo cedit - Whatever is planted in or affixed to the soil, belongs to the soil.
Quod ab initio non valet, in tractu temporis non convalescit - What is not valid in the beginning does not become valid by time.
Quod constat curiae opere testium non indiget - What appears to the Court needs not the help of witnesses.
Quod necessarie intelligitur, id non deest - What is necessarily understood is not wanting.
Quod necessitas cogit, defendit - What necessity forces it justifies.
Quod non apparet, non est - What does not appear, is not.
Quod non habet principium non habet finem - What has no beginning has no end.

Quod per me non possum, nec per alium - What I cannot do through myself, I cannot do through another.
Quod prius est verius est; et quod prius est tempore potius est jure - What is first is more true; and what is prior in time is
stronger in law.
Quod vanum et inutile est, lex non requirit - The law does not require what is vain and useless.
Quoties in verbis nulla est ambiguitas, ibi nulla expositio contra verba expressa fienda est - When there is no ambiguity in
words, then no exposition contrary to the expressed words is to be made.
R
Ratio est legis anima, mutata legis ratione mutatur et lex - Reason is the soul of the law; when the reason of the law changes
the law also is changed.
Re - In the matter of.
Recognition is the greatest motivator - Agnitio est maioribus motivator
Reprobata pecunia leberat solventem - Money refused releases the debtor.
Res - Matter, affair, thing, circumstance.
Res gestae - Things done.
Res integra - A matter untouched (by decision).
Res inter alios acta alteri nocere non debet - Things done between strangers ought not to affect a third person, who is a stranger
to the transaction.
Res judicata accipitur pro veritate - A thing adjudged is accepted for the truth.
Res nulis - Nobody s property.
Respondeat superior - Let the principal answer.
Rex est major singulis, minor universis - The King is greater than individuals, less than all the people.
Rex non debet judicare sed secundum legem - The King ought not to judge but according to the law.
Rex non potest peccare - The King can do no wrong.
Rex nunquma moritur - The King never dies.
Rex quod injustum est facere non potest - The King cannot do what is unjust.
S
Salus populi est suprema lex - The safety of the people is the supreme law.
Sciens - Knowingly.
Scienter - Knowingly.
Scire facias - That you cause to know.

Scribere est agere - To write is to act.

Se defendendo - In self defence.
Secus - The legal position is different, it is otherwise.
Semper praesumitur pro legitimatione puerorum - Everything is presumed in favor of the legitimacy of children.
Semper pro matriomonio praesumitur - It is always presumed in favor of marriage.
Sententia interlocutoria revocari potest, definitiva non potest - An interlocutory order can be revoked, a final order cannot be.
Servitia personalia sequuntur personam - Personal services follow the person.
Sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas - So use your own as not to injure another s property.
Simplex commendatio non obligat - A simple recommendation does not bind.
Stare decisis - To stand by decisions (precedents).
Stet - Do not delete, let it stand.
Sub modo - Within limits.
Sub nomine - Under the name of.
Sub silentio - In silence.
Sublata causa, tollitur effectus - The cause being removed, the effect ceases.
Sublato fundamento, cadit opus - The foundation being removed, the structure falls.
Subsequens matrimonium tollit peccatum praecedens - A subsequent marriage removes the preceding wrong.
Suggestio falsi - The suggestion of something which is untrue.
Sui generis - Unique.
Summa ratio est quae pro religione facit - The highest reason is that which makes for religion, i.e. religion dictates.
Suppressio veri - The suppression of the truth.
Suppressio veri expressio falsi - A suppression of truth is equivalent to an expression of falsehood.
T
Talis qualis - Such as it is.
Terra firma - Solid ground.
Testamenta latissimam interpretationem habere debent - Testaments ought to have the broadest interpretation.
Traditio loqui chartam facit - Delivery makes a deed speak.
Transit terra cum onere - The land passes with its burden

U
Ubi eadem ratio ibi idem jus, et de similibus idem est judicium - When there is the same reason, then the law is the same, and
the same judgment should be rendered as to similar things.
Ubi jus ibi remedium est - Where there is a right there is a remedy.
Ubi non est principalis, non potest esse accessorius - Where there is no principal, there can be no accessory.
Ubi nullum matrimonium, ibi nulla dos es - Where there is no marriage, there is no dower.
Ultima voluntas testatoris est perimplenda secundum veram intentionem suam - The last will of a testator is to be fulfilled
according to his true intentio.
Ut poena ad paucos, metus ad omnes, perveniat - That punishment may come to a few, the fear of it should affect all.
Utile per inutile non vitiatur - What is useful is not vitiated by the useless.
V
Verba chartarum fortius accipiuntur contra preferentem - The words of deeds are accepted more strongly against the person
offering them.
Verba debent intelligi cum effectu - Words ought to be understood with effect.
Verba intentioni, non e contra, debent inservire - Words ought to serve the intention, not the reverse.
Verbatim - Word by word, exactly.
Vi et armis - With the force and arms.
Via antiqua via est tuta - The old way is the safe way.
Vice versa - The other way around.
Vide - See.
Vigilantibus non dormientibus jura subveniunt - The laws serve the vigilant, not those who sleep.
Vir et uxor consentur in lege una persona - A husband and wife are regarded in law as one person.
Visitationem commendamus - We recommend a visitation.
Volens - Willing.
Volenti non fit injuria - An injury is not done to one consenting to it.
Voluntas in delictis non exitus spectatur - In offences the intent and not the result is looked at.
Voluntas reputatur pro facto - The will is taken for the deed.

Latin words and their translation

A
Latin

Translation

Notes

a bene placito

from one who has Or "at will", "at one's pleasure". This phrase, and
been pleased well its Italian(beneplacito) and Spanish (beneplcito)
derivatives, are synonymous with the more
common ad libitum (at pleasure).

a caelo usque ad
centrum

from the sky to

the center

Or "from heaven all the way to the center of the

earth". In law, can refer to the obsolete cuius est
solum eius est usque ad coelum et ad inferos maxim
of property ownership ("for whoever owns the soil,
it is theirs up to the sky and down to the depths").

a capite ad calcem from head to heel From top to bottom; all the way through. Equally a
pedibus usque ad caput.
a contrario

from the opposite Equivalent to "on the contrary" or "au contraire".

Anargumentum a contrario is an "argument from
the contrary", an argument or proof by contrast or
direct opposite.

a Deucalione

since Deucalion

a fortiori

A long time ago. From Gaius Lucilius (Satires, 6,

284)
from the stronger Loosely, "even more so" or "with even stronger
reason". Often used to lead from a less certain
proposition to a more evident corollary.

a mari usque ad
mare

from sea to sea

From Psalm 72:8, "Et dominabitur a mari usque ad

mare, et a flumine usque ad terminos terrae" (KJV:
"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and
from the river unto the ends of the earth"). National
motto of Canada.

a pedibus usque
ad caput

from feet to head Completely. Similar to the English expressions

"from tip to toe" or "from top to toe". Equally a
capite ad calcem. See alsoab ovo usque ad mala.

a posse ad esse

from being able to "From possibility to actuality" or "from being

being
possible to being actual"

a posteriori

from the latter

Based on observation (i.e., empirical knowledge),

the reverse of a priori. Used in mathematics and
logic to denote something that is known after a
proof has been carried out. In philosophy, used to
denote something that can be known from empirical
experience.

a priori

from the former

Presupposed, the reverse of a posteriori. Used in

mathematics and logic to denote something that is
known or postulated before a proof has been carried
out. In philosophy, used to denote something that
can be known without empirical experience. In
everyday speech, it denotes something occurring or
being known before the event.

ab absurdo

from the absurd

Said of an argument that seeks to prove a

statement's validity by pointing out the absurdity of
an opponent's position (cf.appeal to ridicule) or that
an assertion is false because of its absurdity. Not to
be confused with a reductio ad absurdum, which is
usually a valid logical argument.

Inferences regarding something's use from its

ab abusu ad usum a consequence
from an abuse to a misuse are invalid. Rights abused are still rights
non valet
use is not valid
(cf. abusus non tollit usum).
consequentia
ab aeterno

from the eternal

Literally, "from the everlasting" or "from eternity".

Thus, "from time immemorial", "since the beginning
of time" or "from an infinitely remote time in the
past". In theology, often indicates something, such
as the universe, that was created outside of time.

ab antiquo

from the ancient

From ancient times.

ab epistulis

from the letter

Or, having to do with correspondence.

ab extra

from beyond

ab hinc

from here on

A legal term meaning "from without". From

external sources, rather than from the self or the
mind (ab intra).
Often rendered abhinc (which in Latin means
simply "since" or "ago").

ab imo pectore

from the bottom

of my heart

ab inconvenienti

from an
inconvenient
thing

ab incunabulis

from the cradle

More literally, "from the deepest chest". Attributed

to Julius Caesar. Can mean "with deepest affection"
or "sincerely".
New Latin for "based on unsuitability", "from
inconvenience" or "from hardship". An argumentum
ab inconvenienti is one based on the difficulties
involved in pursuing a line of reasoning, and is thus
a form of appeal to consequences; it refers to a rule
in law that an argument from inconvenience has
great weight.
Thus, "from the beginning" or "from
infancy". Incunabula is commonly used in English
to refer to the earliest stage or origin of something,
and especially to copies of books that predate the
spread of the printing press around AD 1500.

ab initio

ab intestato

from the
beginning

"At the outset", referring to an inquiry or

investigation. In literature, refers to a story told from
the beginning rather thanin medias res (from the
middle). In law, refers to something being the case
from the start or from the instant of the act, rather
than from when the court declared it so. A judicial
declaration of the invalidity of a marriage ab
initio is a nullity. In science, refers to the first
principles. In other contexts, often refers to beginner
or training courses. Ab initio mundi means "from the
beginning of the world".
from an intestate From someone who dies with no legal will (cf. ex
testamento).

ab intra

from within

From the inside. The opposite of ab extra.

ab irato

from an angry
man

By a person who is angry. Used in law to describe a

decision or action that is detrimental to those it
affects and was made based on hatred or anger,
rather than on reason. The form iratois masculine;
however, this does not mean it applies only to men,
rather 'person' is meant, as the phrase probably
elides "homo," not "vir."

ab origine

from the source

From the origin, beginning, source, or

commencementi.e., "originally". The source of
the word aboriginal.

ab ovo usque ad
mala

from the egg to

the apples

From Horace, Satire 1.3. Means "from beginning to

end", based on the Roman main meal typically
beginning with an egg dish and ending with fruit (cf.
the English phrase soup to nuts). Thus, ab
ovo means "from the beginning", and can also
connote thoroughness.

ab uno disce
omnes

from one, learn all From Virgil's Aeneid. Refers to situations where a
single example or observation indicates a general or
universal truth.

ab urbe
condita(a.u.c.)

from the city

having been
founded

Refers to the founding of Rome, which occurred in

753 BC according to Livy's count. Used as a
reference point in ancient Rome for establishing
dates, before being supplanted by other systems.
Also anno urbis conditae (a.u.c.) (literally "in the
year of the founded city").

ab utili

from utility

Used of an argument.

absens haeres non an absent person In law, refers to the principle that someone who is
will not be an heir not present is unlikely to inherit.
erit
absente reo (abs. with the
defendant being
re.)
absent

In the absence of the accused.

absit iniuria
verbis

let injury by
words be absent

Expresses the wish that no insult or wrong be

conveyed by the speaker's words, i.e., "no offense".
Also rendered absit injuria verbis; see also absit
invidia.

absit invidia

let ill will be

absent

Although similar to the English expression "no

offense", absit invidia is not a mere social gesture to
avoid causing offense, but also a way to ward off
the harm that some people superstitiously believe
animosity can cause others. Also extended to absit
invidia verbo, meaning "may ill will be absent from
the word" (cf. absit iniuria verbis).

absit omen

let an omen be
absent

In other words, "let there not be an omen here".

Expresses the wish that something seemingly illboding does not turn out to be an omen for future
events, and calls on divine protection against evil.

absolutum
dominium

absolute
dominion

Total power or sovereignty.

absolvo

I acquit

A legal term said by a judge acquitting a defendant

following a trial. Te absolvo or absolvo te,
translated, "I forgive you," said by Roman
Catholic priests during
the Sacrament of Confessionprior to Vatican II.

abundans cautela abundant caution Thus, one can never be too careful; even excessive
does no harm
precautions don't hurt anyone.
non nocet
abusus non tollit
usum

misuse does not

remove use

An axiom stating that just because something can

be, or has been, abused, does not mean that it must
be, or always is. Abuse does not, in itself, justify
denial of use

abyssus abyssum deep calleth unto From Psalms 42:7; some translations have 'Sea calls
deep
to sea'.
invocat
accusare nemo se no one ought to
debet nisi coram accuse himself
except in the
Deo
Presence of God

A legal maxim denoting that any accused person is

entitled to make a plea of not guilty, and also that a
witness is not obliged to give a response or submit a
document that will incriminate himself. A very
similar phrase is nemo tenetur seipsum accusare.

Accipe Hoc

Take this

Motto of 848 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Navy.

acta est fabula

plaudite

The play has been A common ending to ancient Roman comedies, also
performed;
claimed by Suetonius in Lives of the Twelve
applaud!
Caesars to have beenCaesar Augustus' last words.
Applied by Sibelius to the third movement of his
String Quartet no. 2 so that his audience would
realize it was the last one, as a fourth would
normally be expected.

acta non verba

Acta Sanctorum

actions, not words Motto of the United States Merchant Marine

Academy.
Deeds of
Also used in the singular, Acta Sancti (Deeds of the
the Saints
Saint), preceding a specific Saint's name. A
common title of works inhagiography.

The act is not

actus non facit
reum nisi mens sit guilty unless the
mind is also
rea
guilty.

A legal term outlining the presumption of mens

rea in a crime.

actus reus

guilty act

The actual crime that is committed, rather than the

intent or thought process leading up to the crime.
Thus, the external elements of a crime, as contrasted
with mens rea, the internal elements.

ad absurdum

to the absurd

In logic, to the point of being silly or nonsensical.

See alsoreductio ad absurdum. Not to be confused
with ab absurdo(from the absurd).

adaequatio
intellects nostri
cum re

conformity of our A phrase used in Epistemology regarding the nature

minds to the fact of understanding.

ad abundantiam

to abundance

In legal language, used when providing additional

evidence to an already sufficient collection. Also
used commonly, as an equivalent of "as if this
wasn't enough".

ad astra

to the stars

Name or motto (in full or part) of many

organizations/publications/etc.

ad astra per
aspera

to the stars
Motto of Kansas, and other organisations. The
through difficulty phrase is also translated as "A rough road leads to
the stars", as on the Launch Complex 34 memorial
plaque for the astronauts ofApollo 1.

ad astra per alia

porci

to the stars on the A favorite saying of John Steinbeck. A professor

wings of a pig
told him that he would be an author when pigs flew.
Every book he wrote is printed with this insignia.

in order to court
ad
captandum vulgus the crowd

To do something to appeal to the masses. Often used

of politicians who make false or insincere promises
to appeal to popular interest. An argumentum ad
captandum is an argument designed to please the
crowd.

ad eundem

to the same

An ad eundem degree, from the Latin ad eundem

gradum (to the same step" or "to the same degree),
is a courtesy degree awarded by one university or
college to an alumnus of another. It is not an
honorary degree, but a recognition of the formal
learning that earned the degree at another college.

ad fontes

to the sources

A motto of Renaissance humanism. Also used in

the Protestant Reformation.

ad fundum

to the bottom

ad hoc

to this

Said during a generic toast, equivalent to "bottoms

up!" In other contexts, generally means "back to the
basics".
Generally means "for this", in the sense of
improvised on the spot or designed for only a
specific, immediate purpose.
Rather than relying on ad
hoc decisions, we should form a
consistent plan for dealing with
emergency situations.

ad hominem

to the man

Connotations of "against the man". Typically used

inargumentum ad hominem, a logical
fallacy consisting of criticizing a person when the
subject of debate is the person's ideas or argument,
on the mistaken assumption that the validity of an
argument is to some degree dependent on the
qualities of the proponent.

ad honorem

to the honor

Generally means "for the honor", not seeking any

material reward.

ad infinitum

to infinity

Going on forever. Used to designate a property

which repeats in all cases in mathematical proof.

ad interim (ad int) for the meantime As in the term "charg d'affaires ad interim" for a
diplomatic officer who acts in place of an
ambassador.
to the
Attributed by Suetonius in Lives of the Twelve
ad Kalendas
Greek Kalends
Caesars toCaesar Augustus. The phrase means
Graecas
"never" and is similar to phrases like "when pigs
fly". The Kalends (also writtenCalends) were
specific days of the Roman calendar, not of
theGreek, and so the "Greek Kalends" would never
occur.
ad libitum (ad lib) toward pleasure Loosely, "according to what pleases" or "as you
wish"; libitumcomes from the
past participle of libere, "to please". It typically
indicates in music and theatrical scripts that the
performer has the liberty to change or omit
something. Ad lib is specifically often used when
someone improvises or ignores limitations.

ad litem

to the lawsuit

A legal term referring to a party appointed by a

court to act in a lawsuit on behalf of another party
who is deemed incapable of representing himself.
An individual who acts in this capacity is called
a guardian ad litem.

ad lucem

to the light

Motto of Oxford High School (Oxford),

the University of Lisbon, Withington Girls'
School and St. Bartholomew's School, Newbury,
UK

ad maiorem Dei To the greater

gloriam (AMDG) glory of God

Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Edward

Elgardedicated his oratorio The Dream of
Gerontius "A.M.D.G." Often rendered ad majorem
Dei gloriam.

ad meliora

Towards better
things

motto of St. Patrick's College, Cavan, Ireland

ad mortem

To death

used in medical contexts as a synonym for death

ad multos annos

To many years!

Expresses a wish for a long life. Similar to the

English expression "Many happy returns!"

ad nauseam

to the point of
disgust

Literally, "to the point of nausea". Sometimes used

as a humorous alternative to ad infinitum.
An argumentum ad nauseam is a logical
fallacy involving basing one's argument on
prolonged repetition, i.e., repeating something so
much that people are "sick of it".

ad oculos

With your own

eyes.

Meaning "obvious on sight" or "obvious to anyone

that sees it".

ad pedem litterae to the foot of the

letter
ad perpetuam
memoriam

to the perpetual
memory

to the weight of
ad pondus
omnium (ad pond all things
om)

ad quod damnum to what damage

Thus, "exactly as it is written". Similar to the

English idiom "to the letter", meaning "to the last
detail".
Generally precedes "of" and a person's name, and is
used to wish for someone to be remembered long
after death.
More loosely, "considering everything's weight".
The abbreviation was historically used by
physicians and others to signify that the last
prescribed ingredient is to weigh as much as all of
the previously mentioned ones.
Meaning "according to the harm" or "in proportion
to the harm". The phrase is used in tort law as a
measure of damagesinflicted, implying that
a remedy, if one exists, ought to correspond
specifically and only to the damage suffered
(cf.damnum absque injuria).

ad referendum
(ad ref)

to that which
must be brought
back

Loosely "subject to reference", meaning that

something has been approved provisionally, but
must still receive official approval. Not necessarily
related to a referendum.

ad rem

to the matter

Thus, "to the point". Without digression.

Thank you for your concise, ad
rem response.

A legal term for a writ of entry ad terminum qui

ad terminum qui for the term
which has passed praeteriit [for the term which has passed].1
praeteriit
ad undas

to the waves

ad usum Delphini for the use of

theDauphin

Equivalent to "to hell".

Said of a work that has been expurgated of offensive
or improper parts. The phrase originates from
editions of Greek and Roman classics which Louis
XIV had censored for his heir apparent,
the Dauphin. Also rarely in usum Delphini (into the
use of the Dauphin).

for one's own use

ad usum
proprium (ad us.
propr.)
prepared for
Also the motto of Lund University, with the implied
ad utrumque
either alternative alternatives being the book (study) and the sword
paratus
(defending the country in war).
ad valorem

to the value

According to an object's value. Used in commerce

to refer toad valorem taxes, taxes based on the
assessed value of real estate or personal property.

ad victoriam

to victory

More commonly translated into "for victory" this is

a battlecry of the Romans.

ad vitam
aeternam
ad vitam aut
culpam
addendum

to eternal life

Also "to life everlasting". A common Biblical

phrase.
Usually used of a term of office.

adequatio
intellectus et rei

correspondence of One of the definitions of the truth. When the mind

the mind and
has the same form as reality, we think truth. Also
reality
found as adequatio rei et intellectus.

adsum

I am here

for life or until

fault
thing to be added An item to be added, especially a supplement to a
book. The plural is addenda.

adversus solem ne Don't speak

against the sun
loquitor

Equivalent to "Present!" or "Here!" The opposite

of absum (I am absent).
I.e., don't argue the obvious

aegri somnia
aequitas

a sick man's
From Horace, Ars Poetica, 7. Loosely, "troubled
dreams
dreams".
Justice or equality

aetat

of age" / "aged"
(in the sense of:
"age: ...)

Abbreviation of "aetatis"; even more abbreviated

(and more common): "aet." e.g.: "aetat 36" = "36
years old"/ "aet. 34" = "34 years old"

aetatis suae

of his own age

Thus, "at the age of". Appeared on portraits,

gravestones, etc. Sometimes extended to anno
aetatis suae (AAS), "in the year of his age".
Sometimes shortened to just aetatis or aetat (aet.).
The tomb reads Anno 1629 Aetatis
Suae 46because she died in 1629 at
age 46.

affidavit

he asserted

A legal term from Medieval Latin referring to a

sworn statement. From fides, "faith".

age quod agis

Do what you are

doing.

More often translated as "Do well whatever you do",

this phrase is used as the motto of several Catholic
schools, including Jesuit High School in Portland,
Oregon. According to the Catholic Culture
dictionary, this phrase is used to remind people to
concentrate on the task at hand, rather than
scattering their attention.

agenda

things to be done Originally comparable to a to-do list, an ordered list

of things to be done. Now generalized to include
any planned course of action. The
singular, agendum (thing that must be done), is
rarely used.

Agnus Dei

Lamb of God

Latin translation from John 1:36, where John the

Baptistexclaims "Ecce Agnus Dei!" (Behold the
Lamb of God!) upon seeing Jesus, referring both to
a lamb's connotations of innocence and to
a sacrificial lamb.

alea iacta est

the die is cast

Said by Julius Caesar upon crossing the Rubicon in

49 BC, according to Suetonius. The original
meaning was roughly equivalent to the English
phrase "the game is afoot", but its modern meaning,
like that of the phrase "crossing the Rubicon",
denotes passing the point of no return on a
momentous decision and entering into a risky
endeavor where the outcome is left to chance.

alenda lux ubi

orta libertas

Let learning be
The motto of Davidson College.
cherished where
liberty has arisen.

alias

otherwise

An assumed name or pseudonym. Similar to alter

ego, but more specifically referring to a name, not to
a "second self".

alibi

elsewhere

A legal defense where a defendant attempts to show

that he was elsewhere at the time a crime was
committed.
His alibi is sound; he gave
evidence that he was in another
city on the night of the murder.
taken from the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 40. "But
those who wait for the Lord shall find their strength
renewed, they shall mount up on wings like eagles,
they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk
and not grow faint."

alis aquilae

on an eagle's
wings

alis grave nil

nothing is heavy motto of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de

to those who have Janeiro (Pontifcia Universidade Catlica do Rio de
wings
Janeiro PUC-RIO).

alis volat propris she flies with her State motto of Oregon. Can also be rendered alis
own wings
volat propriis.
aliquantus

Rather big

aliquantulus

Not that big

aliquid stat pro

aliquo

something that
stands for
something else

alma mater

nourishing mother Term used for the university one attends or has
attended. Another university term, matriculation, is
also derived frommater. The term suggests that the
students are "fed" knowledge and taken care of by
the university. The term is also used for a
university's traditional school anthem.

alter ego

other I

Another self, a second persona or alias. Can be used

to describe different facets or identities of a single
character, or different characters who seem
representations of the same personality. Often used
of a fictional character's secret identity.

alterius non sit

qui suus esse
potest

Let no man
belong to another
that can belong to
himself

Final sentence from Aesop ascribed fable (see

also Aesop's Fables) "The Frogs Who Desired a
King" as appears in the collection commonly known
as the "Anonymus Neveleti" (fable XXIb. De ranis
a Iove querentibus regem). Motto ofParacelsus.
Usually attributed to Cicero.

A foundational definition for semiotics

alterum non
laedere

to not wound
another

One of Justinian I's three basic legal precepts.

alumna or
alumnus

pupil

Sometimes rendered with the genderneutral alumn or alum in English. A graduate or

former student of a school, college or
university. Alumna (pl. alumnae) is a female pupil,
andalumnus (pl. alumni) is a male pupilalumni is
generally used for a group of both males and
females. The word derives fromalere, "to nourish",
a graduate being someone who was raised and taken
care of at the school (cf. alma mater).

amicus curiae

friend of the court An adviser, or a person who can obtain or grant

access to the favour of powerful group, like
a Roman Curia. In current U.S. legal usage,
an amicus curiae is a third party allowed to submit a
legal opinion (in the form of an amicus brief) to the
court.

amittere legem
terrae

to lose the law of An obsolete legal term signifying the forfeiture of

the land
the right of swearing in any court or cause, or to
become infamous.
love is the
As said by Robert B. Mackay, Australian Analyst.
essence of life

amor est vitae

essentia

amor et melle et love is rich with

both honey and
felle est
fecundissmismus venom
amor fati

love of fate

Nietzscheian alternative world view to memento

mori [remember you must die]. Nietzsche believed
amor fati to be more life affirming.

amor omnibus
idem

love is the same

for all

from Virgil's Georgics III.

love of one's
Patriotism.
country
amor vincit omnia love conquers all Written on bracelet worn by
the Prioress in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. See
also veritas omnia vincit and labor omnia vincit.
amor patriae

anglice

in English

anno (an.)

in the year

Used before the anglicized version of a word or

name. For example "Terra Mariae, anglice,
Maryland".
Also used in such phrases as anno urbis
conditae (see ab urbe condita), Anno Domini,
and anno regni.

Anno
Domini (A.D.)

in the Year of the Short for Anno Domini Nostri Iesus Christi (in the
Lord
Year of Our Lord Jesus Christ), the predominantly
used system for dating years across the world, used
with the Gregorian calendar, and based on the
perceived year of the birth of Jesus Christ. The years
before Jesus' birth were once marked
with a.C.n (Ante Christum Natum, Before Christ
was Born), but now use the English abbreviation BC
(Before Christ).
Augustus Caesar was born in the
year 63 BC, and died AD 14.

anno regni

In the year of the Precedes "of" and the current ruler.

reign

Annuit Cptis

He Has Approved Motto on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United
the Undertakings States and on the back of the U.S. one dollar bill.
"He" refers to God, and so the official translation
given by the U.S. State Department is "He [God]
has favored our undertakings".

annus horribilis

horrible year

A recent pun on annus mirabilis, first used

by Queen Elizabeth II to describe what a bad year
1992 had been for her, and subsequently
occasionally used to refer to many other years
perceived as "horrible". In Classical Latin, this
phrase would actually mean "terrifying year". See
also annus terribilis.

annus mirabilis

wonderful year

annus terribilis

dreadful year

Used particularly to refer to the years 16651666,

during whichIsaac Newton made revolutionary
inventions and discoveries in calculus, motion,
optics and gravitation. Annus Mirabilis is also the
title of a poem by John Dryden written in the same
year. It has since been used to refer to other years,
especially to 1905, when Albert Einstein made
equally revolutionary discoveries concerning the
photoelectric effect, Brownian motion and the
special theory of relativity. (See Annus Mirabilis
Papers)
Used to describe 1348, the year the Black
Death began to afflict Europe.

ante bellum

before the war

As in "status quo ante bellum", "as it was before the

war". Commonly used in the Southern United
States as antebellum to refer to the period preceding
the American Civil War.

ante cibum (a.c.)

before food

Medical shorthand for "before meals".

ante litteram

before the letter

Said of an expression or term that describes

something which existed before the phrase itself
was introduced or became common.
Alan Turing was a computer
scientist ante litteram, since the
field of "computer science" was not
yet recognized in Turing's day.

ante meridiem
(a.m.)
ante mortem

before midday
before death

The period from midnight to noon (cf. post

meridiem).
See post mortem (after death).

ante prandium
(a.p.)

before lunch

Used on pharmaceutical prescriptions to denote

"before a meal". Less common is post prandium,
"after lunch".
apparatus criticus critical apparatus Textual notes. A list of other readings relating to a
document, especially in a scholarly edition of a text.
aqua (aq.)

water

aqua fortis

strong water

Refers to nitric acid.

aqua pura

pure water

Or "clear water", "clean water".

aqua regia

royal water

aqua vitae

water of life

refers to a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric

acid.
"Spirit of Wine" in many English texts. Used to
refer to various native distilled beverages, such
as whisky in Scotland and Ireland, gin in
Holland, brandy (eau de vie) in France,
andakvavit in Scandinavia.

aquila non capit

muscam

an eagle doesn't
catch flies

A noble or important person doesn't deal with

insignificant issues.

arare litus

to plough the
seashore

From Gerhard Gerhards' (14661536) [better known

as Erasmus] collection of annotated Adagia (1508).
Wasted labour.

arbiter
elegantiarum

judge of tastes

One who prescribes, rules on, or is a recognized

authority on matters of social behavior and taste.
Said of Petronius. Also rendered arbiter
elegentiae (judge of a taste).

arcus senilis

senile bow

An opaque circle around the cornea of the eye, often

seen in elderly people.

Argentum album white money

Also "silver coin". Mentioned in Domesday,

signifies bullion, or silver uncoined.

arguendo

argumentum

ars [est] celare

artem

for arguing

For the sake of argument. Said when something is

done purely in order to discuss a matter or illustrate
a point.

Let us assume, arguendo, that your

claim is correct.
argument
Or "reasoning", "inference", "appeal", "proof". The
plural isargumenta. Commonly used in the names
of logical argumentsand fallacies, preceding phrases
such as a silentio (by silence),ad antiquitatem (to
antiquity), ad baculum (to the stick), ad
captandum (to capturing), ad consequentiam (to the
consequence), ad crumenam (to the purse), ad
feminam (to the woman), ad hominem (to the
person), ad ignorantiam (to ignorance), ad
judicium (to judgment), ad lazarum (to poverty),ad
logicam (to logic), ad metum (to fear), ad
misericordiam (to pity), ad nauseam (to nausea), ad
novitatem (to novelty), ad personam (to the
character), ad numerum (to the number), ad
odium (to spite), ad populum (to the people), ad
temperantiam(to moderation), ad verecundiam (to
reverence), ex silentio(from silence), and in
terrorem (into terror).
art [is] to conceal An aesthetic ideal that good art should appear
art
natural rather than contrived. Of medieval origin,
but often incorrectly attributed to Ovid.2

ars gratia artis

art for art's sake

Translated into Latin from Baudelaire's "L'art pour

l'art". Motto of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. This
phrasing is a direct transliteration of 'art for the sake
of art.' While very symmetrical for the MGM logo,
the better Latin word order is 'Ars artis gratia.'

ars longa vita

brevis

art is long, life is The Latin translation by Seneca (De Brevitate Vitae,
short
1.1) of a phrase from Hippocrates, often used out of
context. The "art" referred to in the original
aphorism was the craft of medicine, which took a
lifetime to acquire.

asinus ad lyram

an ass to the lyre From Gerhard Gerhards' (14661536) [better known

as Erasmus] collection of annotated Adagia (1508).
An awkward or incompetent individual.

asinus asinum
fricat

the jackass rubs

the jackass

assecuratus non
quaerit lucrum
sed agit ne in
damno sit

the assured does Refers to the insurance principle that the indemnity
not seek profit but cannot be larger than the loss.
just indemnity for
the loss

Used to describe two people lavishing excessive

praise on one another.

audacter
calumniare,
semper aliquid
haeret

slander boldly,
from Francis Bacon, De Augmentis
something always Scientiarum (1623)
sticks

auctoritas

authority

Referred to the general level of prestige a person

had in Ancient Roman society.

audax at fidelis

bold but faithful

Motto of Queensland.

audeamus

let us dare

Motto of Otago University Students' Association, a

direct response to the university's motto of sapere
aude (dare to be wise).

we dare to defend State motto of Alabama, adopted in 1923.

audemus jura
Translated into Latin from a paraphrase of the
nostra defendere our rights
stanza "Men who their duties know / But know their
rights, and knowing, dare maintain" from the poem
"What Constitutes a State?" by 18th-century author
William Jones.
audentes fortuna fortune favors the From Virgil, Aeneid X, 284 (where the first word is
bold
in the archaic form audentis). Allegedly the last
iuvat
words of Pliny the Elder before he left the docks
at Pompeii to rescue people from the eruption
of Vesuvius in 79. Often quoted as audaces fortuna
iuvat. Also the motto of the Portuguese Army
Commandos.
audere est facere to dare is to do

audi alteram
partem
audio hostem

The motto of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, the

professional Association Football (soccer) team
based inLondon, England.

hear the other side A legal principle of fairness. Also worded

as audiatur et altera pars (let the other side be heard
too).
I hear the enemy Motto of 845 NACS Royal Navy

aurea mediocritas golden mean

From Horace's Odes II, 10. Refers to the ethical goal

of reaching a virtuous middle ground between two
sinful extremes. The golden mean concept is
common to many philosophers, chiefly Aristotle.

auri sacra fames

accursed hunger
for gold

From Virgil, Aeneid 3,57. Later quoted

by Seneca as "quod non mortalia pectora coges,
auri sacra fames": "What aren't you able to bring
men to do, miserable hunger for gold!"

auribus teneo
lupum

I hold a wolf by
the ears

A common ancient proverb, this version

from Terence. Indicates that one is in a dangerous
situation where both holding on and letting go could
be deadly. A modern version is "To have a tiger by
the tail."

aurora australis

southern dawn

The Southern Lights, an aurora that appears in

the Southern Hemisphere. It is less well-known than
the Northern Lights, oraurorea borealis.
The Aurora Australis is also the name of an
Antarctic icebreaker ship.

aurora borealis

northern dawn

The Northern Lights, an aurora that appears in

the Northern Hemisphere.

aurum potestas
est

gold is power

Motto of the fictional Fowl family in the Artemis

Fowl series, written by Eoin Colfer

auspicium
melioris aevi

hope of a better
age

Motto of Raffles Institution, a secondary school

in Singapore.

aut Caesar aut

nihil

either Caesar or
nothing

Indicates that the only valid possibility is to

be emperor, or a similarly prominent position. More
generally, "all or nothing". Adopted by Cesare
Borgia as a personal motto.

aut concilio aut

ense
aut pax aut
bellum
aut viam
inveniam aut
faciam

either by meeting Thus, either through reasoned discussion or through

or by the sword war. A former motto of Chile, replaced by post
tenebras lux.
either peace or
The motto of the Gunn Clan.
war
Either I shall find Hannibal.
a way, or I shall
make one

aut vincere aut

mori

either to conquer A general pledge of "victory or death" (cf. victoria

or to die
aut mors).

ave atque vale

Hail and farewell! From Catullus, carmen 101, addressed to his

deceased brother.

ave Caesar
morituri te
salutant

Hail, Caesar! The

ones who are
about to die salute
you!

From Suetonius' Lives of the Twelve

Caesars, Claudius 21. The traditional greeting of
gladiators prior to battle. morituri is also translated
as "we who are about to die" based on the context in
which it was spoken, and this translation is
sometimes aided by changing the Latin to nos
morituri te salutamus. Also rendered
with imperator instead of Caesar.

Hail, Europe, our Anthem of Pan-Europeanist

ave Europa
nostra vera Patria true Fatherland!
Ave Maria

Hail, Mary

A Roman Catholic prayer to Mary, the mother of

Jesus.

Latin
barba tenus
sapientes
Beata Virgo
Maria
(BVM)
beatae
memoriae
beati
pauperes
spiritu
beati
possidentes

Translation
Notes
wise as far From Gerhard Gerhards' (14661536) [better known as Erasmus] collection of
as the beard annotated Adagia (1508). In appearance wise, but not necessarily so.
Blessed
A common name in the Roman Catholic Church for Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Virgin
The genitive, Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV), occurs often as well, appearing with
Mary
such words as horae (hours), litaniae (litany) andofficium (office).
of blessed See in memoriam.
memory
Blessed in Vulgate, Matthew 5:3. The full quote is "beati pauperes spiritu quoniam ipsorum est
spirit [are] regnum caelorum" ("Blessed in spirit [are] the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of the
the poor.
heavens" - one of the Beatitudes).
blessed
Translated from Euripides.
[are] those
who possess
beatus homo blessed is from Proverbs 3:13; set to music in a 1577 motet of the same name by Orlando di
the man
Lasso.
qui invenit
sapientiam who finds
wisdom
Originally from the Habsburg marriages of 1477 and 1496, written as bella gerant
bella gerant let others
wage war alii tu felix Austria nube (let others wage war; you, fortunate Austria, marry). Said
alii
by King Matthias
war of all A phrase used by Thomas Hobbes to describe the state of nature.
bellum
against all
omnium
contra omnes
I drink,
bibo ergo
therefore I
sum
am
he gives
Thus a gift that is given quickly without hesitation is worth twice as much.
bis dat qui
twice, who
cito dat
gives
promptly
twice in a Medical shorthand for "twice a day".
bis in die
day
(bid)
in good
In other words, "well-intentioned", "fairly". In modern contexts, often has
bona fide
faith
connotations of "genuinely" or "sincerely". Bona fides is not the plural (which
would be bonis fidebus), but the nominative, and means simply "good faith".
Opposite of mala fide.

In law, if a person dying has goods, or good debts, in another diocese or jurisdiction
bona
within that province, besides his goods in the diocese where he dies, amounting to a
notabilia
certain minimum value, he is said to have bona notabilia; in which case, the probat
of his will belongs to the archbishop of that province.
A nation's offer to mediate in disputes between two other nations.
bona officia good
services
A jury or assize of countrymen, or good neighbors.
bona patria
vacant
United Kingdom legal term for ownerless property that passes to The Crown.
bona
goods
vacantia
Tiberius reportedly said this to his regional commanders, as a warning against
boni pastoris It is of a
taxing the populace excessively.
est tondere good
shepherd to
pecus non
shear his
deglubere

flock, not to
flay them.
common
bonum
good of the
commune
communitatis community
common
bonum
good of a
commune
man
hominis

busillis

Or "general welfare". Refers to what benefits a society, as opposed to bonum

commune hominis, which refers to what is good for an individual.
Refers to an individual's happiness, which is not "common" in that it serves
everyone, but in that individuals tend to be able to find happiness in similar things.
Pseudo-Latin meaning "baffling puzzle" or "difficult point". John of Cornwall (ca.
1170) was once asked by a scribe what the word meant. It turns out that the original
text said in diebus illis magnis plen (in those days there were plenty of great
things), which the scribe misread as indie busillis magnis plen (in India there were
plenty of large busillis).
C
Latin
cacoethes scribendi

Translation
bad habit of writing

Notes
From Satires of Juvenal. An
insatiable urge to
write.Hypergraphia
Caedite eos. Novit enim Kill them. For the Lord Supposed statement by
Dominus qui sunt eius. knows those who are Abbot Arnaud Amalric before
his.
the massacre of Bziers during
the Albigensian Crusade,
recorded 30 years later,
according to Caesar of
Heisterbach.
truly
countless
bodies
Used by the Romans to describe
cadavera vero
the aftermath of the Battle of the
innumera
Catalaunian Plains.
the rest is wanting
caetera desunt
my cup makes me
calix meus inebrians
drunk
dark chamber
An optical device used in
camera obscura
drawing, and an ancestor of
modernphotography. The source
of the word camera.
war dogs" or "fighting
canes pugnaces
dogs
dog eats dog
Refers to a situation where
canis canem edit
nobody is safe from anybody,
each man for himself.
capable of the infinite a term referring (at least) to
capax infiniti
some Christian doctrines of the
incarnation of the Son of God
when it asserts that humanity is
capable of housing full divinity
within its finite frame. Related
to the Docetic heresy and
sometimes a counterpoint to the
Reformed 'extracalvinisticum.'

caput inter nubila

(condit)

head in the clouds

Caritas Christi

The love of Christ

carpe diem

seize the day

carpe noctem

seize the night

Carthago delenda est

Carthage must be
destroyed

casus belli

event of war

causa mortis
cave

cause of death
beware!

So aggrandized as to be beyond
practical (earthly) reach or
understanding
(from Virgil's Aeneid and the
shorter form appears in John
Locke's Two Treatises of
Government)
It implies a command to love as
Christ loved. Motto of St.
Franicis Xavier High School
located in West Meadowlark
Park (Edmonton).
An exhortation to live for today.
From Horace, Odes I, 11.8. By
far the most common translation
is "seize the day",
thoughcarpere normally means
something more like "pluck",
and the allusion here is to
picking flowers. The
phrase collige virgo rosas has a
similar sense.
An exhortation to make good
use of the night, often used
whencarpe diem, q.v., would
seem absurd, e.g., when
observing adeep sky object or
conducting a Messier marathon.
From Roman senator Cato the
Elder, who ended every speech
of his between the second and
third Punic Wars with ceterum
censeo Carthaginem esse
delendam, literally "For the rest,
I am of the opinion that
Carthage is to be destroyed."
Other translations include "In
conclusion, I declare that
Carthage must be destroyed."
and "Furthermore, I move for
Carthage to be destroyed."
Refers to an incident that is the
justification or case for war.
especially used by doctors of
medicine, when they want to
warn each other (e.g.:
"cave nephrolithiases" in order
to warn about side effects of
an uricosuric). Spoken aloud in
some British public schools by
pupils to warn each other of
impending authority.

cave canem

beware of the dog

cave laborem
cave nil vino

beware of work
beware of running out
of wine
let the buyer beware

Found written on floor mosaics

depicting a dog, at the entrance
of Roman houses excavated
at Pompeii.

The purchaser is responsible for

checking whether the goods suit
his need.
let the reader beware
Used when the writer does not
caveat lector
vouch for the accuracy of a text.
Probably a recent alteration
of caveat emptor.
let the signer beware
The person signing a document
caveat subscriptor
is responsible for reading the
information about the what the
document entails before
entering into an agreement.
let the seller beware
The person selling goods is
caveat venditor
responsible for providing
information about the goods to
the purchaser.
let the user beware
The user is responsible for
caveat utilitor
checking whether the goods suit
his need.
let arms yield to the
"Let military power yield to
Cedant arma togae
gown
civilian power", Cicero, De
Officiis. See Toga, it:Cedant
arma togae
Or simply "faster than cooking
celerius quam asparagi more swiftly
thanasparagus is
asparagus". A variant of the
cocuntur
cooked
Roman phrase velocius quam
asparagi coquantur, using a
different adverb and an alternate
mood and spelling of coquere.
I got the body
In law, it is a return made by the
cepi corpus
sheriff, upon a capias, or other
process to the like purpose;
signifying, that he has taken the
body of the party.
Often used in law when
certum est quod certum It is certain if it is
capable of being
something is not known, but can
reddi potest
rendered certain
be ascertained (e.g. the purchase
price on a sale which is to be
determined by a third-party
valuer)
When the reason for the A rule of law becomes
cessante ratione legis
law ceases, the law
ineffective when the reason for
cessat ipsa lex
itself ceases.
its application has ceased to
exist or does not correspond to
caveat emptor

the reality anymore.

the rest are missing
Also spelled "caetera desunt".
cetera desunt
with other things equal Idiomatically translated as "all
ceteris paribus
other things being equal". A
phrase which rules out outside
changes interfering with a
situation.
The form of a pardon for killing
charta pardonationis se a paper of pardon to
him who defended
another man in self-defence.
defendendo
himself
(see manslaughter)
a paper of pardon to the The form of a pardon of a man
charta pardonationis
outlaw
who is outlawed. Also
utlagariae
calledperdonatio utlagariae.
[Throw the] Christians
Christianos ad leones
to the lions!
For Christ and
The motto of Furman
Christo et Doctrinae
Learning
University.
title of volume I, book 5,
Christus nos liberavit Christ has freed us
chapter XI of Les
Misrables byVictor Hugo.
Christ the King
A Christian title for Jesus.
Christus Rex
circa (c.) or (ca.)
around
In the sense of "approximately"
or "about". Usually used of a
date.
Circle made in testing Circular reasoning. Similar term
circulus in probando
(a premise)
to circulus vitiosus.
vicious circle
In logic, begging the question,
circulus vitiosus
a fallacy involving the
presupposition of a proposition
in one of the premises
(seepetitio principii). In science,
a positive feedback loop. In
economics, a counterpart to
the virtuous circle.
faster, higher, stronger Motto of the modern Olympics.
citius altius fortius
A writ whereby the king of
Clamea admittenda in
England could command the
itinere per atturnatum
justice in eyre to admit one's
claim by an attorney, who being
employed in the king's service,
cannot come in person.
An action of tresspass; thus
clausum fregit
called, by reason the writ
demands the person summoned
to answer to wherefore he broke
the close(quare clausum fregit),
i.e. why he committed such a
trespass.
the keys of Saint Peter A symbol of the Papacy.
claves Sancti Petri
Golden key
The means of discovering
clavis aurea

clerico admittendo

about to be made a
clerk

clerico capto per

statutum mercatorum

clerico convicto
commisso gaolae in
defectu ordinarii
deliberando

clerico intra sacros

ordines constituto non
eligendo in officium

Codex Iuris Canonici

Book of Canon Law

Coelum non animum

mutant qui trans mare
currunt

Those who hurry cross

the sea change the sky
[upon them], not their
souls or state of mind

cogito ergo sum

I think, therefore I am.

coitus interruptus

interrupted congress

coitus more ferarum

congress in the way of

beasts
pick, girl, the roses

collige virgo rosas

hidden or mysterious meanings

in texts, particularly applied
in theology and alchemy.
In law, a writ directed to the
bishop, for the admitting a clerk
to a benefice upon a ne
admittas, tried, and found for
the party who procures the writ.
In law, a writ for the delivery of
a clerk out of prison, who is
imprisoned upon the breach of
statute merchant.
In law, a writ for the delivery of
a clerk to his ordinary, that was
formerly convicted of felony; by
reason that his ordinary did not
challenge him according to the
privilege of clerks.
In law, a writ directed to the
bailiffs, etc, that have thrust
abailiwick or beadleship upon
one in holy orders; charging
them to release him.
The official code of canon law
in the Roman Catholic
Church(cf. Corpus Iuris
Canonici).
Hexameter by Horace (Epistulae
I, 11 v.27). Seneca shortens it
to Animum debes mutare, non
caelum (You must change
[your] disposition, not [your]
sky) in his Letter to
LuciliumXXVIII, 1
A rationalistic argument used by
French philosopher Ren
Descartes to attempt to prove
his own existence.
Aborting sexual
intercourse prior
to ejaculationthe only
permitted form of birth
control in some religions.
A medical euphemism for
the doggy-style sexual position.

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye

may", 1909, by John William
Waterhouse.
Exhortation to enjoy fully the

combinatio nova

new combination

communibus annis

"in common years"

communibus locis

"in common places"

communis opinio

generally accepted
view
in control of the mind

compos mentis

concordia cum veritate in harmony with truth

youth, similar to Carpe diem,

fromDe rosis nascentibus (also
titled Idyllium de rosis)
attributed toAusonius or Virgil.
It is frequently
abbreviated comb. nov.. It is
used in the life
sciences literature when a new
name is introduced,
e.g.Klebsiella
granulomatis comb. nov..
One year with another; on an
average. "Common" here does
not mean "ordinary", but
"common to every situation"
A term frequently used among
philosophical and other writers,
implying some medium, or
mean relation between several
places; one place with another;
on a medium. "Common" here
does not mean "ordinary", but
"common to every situation"

Describes someone of sound

mind. Sometimes used
ironically. Also a legal
principle, non compos
mentis (not in control of one's
faculties), used to describe an
insane person.
Motto of the University of
Waterloo.
Motto of Montreal. It is also
the Bank of Montreal coat of
arms and motto.

concordia salus

salvation through
harmony

condemnant quod non

intellegunt

They condemn what

they do not understand
or They condemn
because they do not
understand (the quodis
ambiguous)
condition without
A required, indispensable
which not
condition. Commonly
mistakenly rendered
with conditio (seasoning" or
"preserving) in place
ofcondicio(arrangement" or
"condition).
bring together
Thus, "compare". Used as an
abbreviation in text to

condicio sine qua non

confer (cf.)

Consuetudo pro lege

servatur

recommend a comparison with

another thing (cf. citation
signal).
Confoederatio Helvetica HelvetianConfederation The official name of
Switzerland, hence the use of
(C.H.)
"CH" for itsISO country code,
".ch" for its Internet domain,
and "CHF" for the ISO threeletter abbreviation of its
currency, the Swiss franc.
with connected strength Or "with united powers".
coniunctis viribus
Sometimes rendered conjunctis
viribus.
Custom is kept before An inconsistently applied
the law
maxim. See also consuetudo est
altera lex (custom is another
law) and consuetudo vincit
communem legem (custom
overrules the common law)
It is completed.
The last words of Jesus on
consummatum est
the cross in the Latin translation
ofJohn 19:30.
scorn for the times
Despising the secular world.
contemptus saeculi
The monk or philosopher's
rejection of a mundane life and
worldly values.
hope
against
hope
Title of a poem by Lesya
contra spem spero
Ukrainka
contradictio in terminis contradiction in terms A word that makes itself
impossible
"the opposite is cured First formulated
contraria contrariis
with the opposite"
by Hippocrates to suggest that
curantur
the diseases are cured with
contrary remedies. Antonym
of Similia similibus
curantur (the diseases are
recovered with similar
remedies. )
against good morals
Offensive to the conscience and
contra bonos mores
to a sense of justice.
against the law
contra legem
heart speaks to heart
From Augustine's Confessions,
cor ad cor loquitur
referring to a prescribed method
of prayer: having a "heart to
heart" with God. Commonly
used in reference to a later quote
by John Henry Cardinal
Newman. A motto of Newman
Clubs.
Heart or Death
(Your choice is between) The
cor aut mors
Heart (Moral Values, Duty,

cor meum tibi offero

domine prompte et
sincere
cor unum

coram Deo

coram populo
coram nobis, coram
vobis
Corpus Christi

corpus delicti

Corpus Iuris Canonici

Corpus Iuris Civilis

corpus vile
corrigenda
corruptio optimi
pessima
corruptus in extremis

Corruptissima re
publica plurimae leges

Loyalty) or Death (to stop exist,

to no longer matter, to no longer
be respected as person of
integrity.)
my heart I offer to you motto of Calvin College
Lord promptly and
sincerely
one heart
A popular school motto. Often
used as names for religious and
other organisations such as
the Pontifical Council Cor
Unum.
in the Presence of God A phrase from Christian
theology which summarizes the
idea ofChristians living in the
Presence of, under the authority
of, and to the honor and glory
of God.
in the presence of the Thus, openly.
people
in our presence, in your Two kinds of writs of error.
presence
Body of Christ
The name of a feast in
the Roman Catholic
Churchcommemorating
the Eucharist. It is also the name
of a city in Texas, Corpus
Christi, Texas, and a
controversial play.
body of the offence
The fact that a crime has been
committed, a necessary factor in
convicting someone of having
committed that crime; if there
was no crime, there can not
have been a criminal.
Body of Canon Law
The official compilation of
canon law in the Roman
Catholic Church (cf. Codex
Iuris Canonici).
Body of Civil Law
The body of Roman or civil
law.
worthless body
A person or thing fit only to be
the object of an experiment.
things to be corrected
the corruption of the
best is the worst
corrupt to the extreme Motto of the fictional
Springfield Mayor Office in The
SimpsonsTV-Show
When the republic is at Tacitus
its most corrupt the

laws are most

numerous
Cras amet qui nunquam May he love tomorrow
amavit; quique amavit, who has never loved
before; And may he
cras amet
who has loved, love
tomorrow as well

Credo in Unum Deum

credo quia absurdum

est

crescamus in Illo per

omina
crescat scientia vita
excolatur
crescit eundo

It's the refrain from the

'Pervigilium Veneris', a poem
which describes a three day
holiday in the cult of Venus,
located somewhere in Sicily,
involving the whole town in
religious festivities joined with
a deep sense of nature and
Venus as the "procreatrix", the
life-giving force behind the
natural world.
I Believe in One God The first words of the The
Nicene Creed and the Apostles'
Creed.
I believe it because it is A very common misquote
absurd
of Tertullian's et mortuus est
Dei Filius prorsus credibile
quia ineptum est (and the Son of
God is dead: in short, it is
credible because it is unfitting),
meaning that it is so absurd to
say that God's son has died that
it would have to be a matter of
belief, rather than reason. The
misquoted phrase, however, is
commonly used to mock
the dogmaticbeliefs of the
religious (see fideism). This
phrase is commonly shortened
to credo quia absurdum, and is
also sometimes rendered credo
quia impossibile est (I believe it
because it is impossible)or, as
Darwin used it in his
autobiography, credo quia
incredibile.
May we grow in Him Motto of Cheverus High
through all things
School.
let knowledge grow, let Motto of the University of
life be enriched
Chicago.
it grows as it goes
State motto of New Mexico,
adopted in 1887 as the
territory's motto, and kept in
1912 when New Mexico
received statehood. Originally
from Lucretius' De rerum
natura book VI, where it refers
in context to the motion of
a thunderbolt across the sky,
which acquires power and
momentum as it goes.

Motto of the Sisters of

Loreto (IBVM) and its
associated schools.
William Shakespeare, Twelfth
cucullus non facit
Night, Scene I, Act V 4850
monachum
"Who benefits?" An adage in
cui bono
criminal investigation which
suggests that considering who
would benefit from an
unwelcome event is likely to
reveal who is responsible for
that event (cf. cui prodest). Also
the motto of the Crime
Syndicate of America, a
fictional supervillain group. The
opposite is cui malo (Bad for
whom?).
for whom it advances Short for cui prodest scelus is
cui prodest
fecit (for whom the crime
advances, he has done it)
in Seneca's Medea. Thus, the
murderer is often the one who
gains by the murder (cf. cui
bono).
cuius est solum eius est Whose the land is, all First coined by Accursius of
usque ad coelum et ad the way to the sky and Bologna in the 13th century.
to the underworld is
ARoman legal principle
inferos
his.
of property law that is no longer
observed in most situations
today. Less literally, "For
whosoever owns the soil, it is
theirs up to the sky and down to
the depths."
The privilege of a ruler to
cuius regio, eius religio whose region, his
religion
choose the religion of his
subjects. A regional prince's
ability to choose his people's
religion was established at
the Peace of Augsburg in 1555.
Anyone can err, but
Cuiusvis
Marcus Tullius Cicero,
only the fool persists in Philippica XII, ii, 5.
hominis est
his fault
errare,
nullius nisi
insipientis
in errore
perseverare.
fault
Also "blame" or "guilt". In law,
culpa
an act of neglect. In general,
guilt, sin, or a fault. See
also mea culpa.
cum gladiis et fustibus with swords and clubs From the Bible. Occurs
in Matthew 26:47 and Luke
cruci dum spiro fido

while I live, I trust in

the cross, Whilst I trust
in the Cross I have life
The hood does not
make the monk
Good for whom?

cum gladio et sale

with sword and salt

cum grano salis

with a grain of salt

22:52.
Motto of a well-paid soldier.
See salary.
Not to be taken too seriously or
as the literal truth.

Yes, the brochure made it sound

great, but such claims should be
taken cum grano salis.
cum hoc ergo prompter with this, therefore on "Correlation does not imply
account of this
causation."
hoc
with praise
The standard formula for
cum laude
academic Latin honors in the
United States. Greater honors
include magna cum
laude and summa cum laude.
cum mortuis in lingua with the dead in a dead Movement from Pictures at an
language
Exhibition by Modest
mortua
Mussorgsky
care for the whole
cura personalis
person
take care of your own An exhortation to physicians, or
cura te ipsum
self
experts in general, to deal with
their own problems before
addressing those of others.
Why the God/Man
The question attributed to
cur Deus Homo
Anselm in his work of by this
name, wherein he reflects on
why the Christ of Christianity
must be both fully Divine and
fully Human. Often translated
"why did God become Man?"
course of life
A rsum.
curriculum vitae
keeper of morals
A censor.
custos morum
distinguished by its
Motto of Western Australia.
cygnis insignis
swans
swan among ducks
cygnus inter anates
D

Latin
Da mihi factum,
dabo tibi ius

Translation
Notes
Give me the fact(s), also: Da mihi facta, dabo tibi ius; legal
I'll give you the law principle based onRoman law; parties should
present the facts of a case while the judge rules
on the law. Related to iura novit curia (the
court knows the law).
A Roman custom in which disgraced Romans
damnatio memoriae damnation of
memory
(particularly former Emperors) were pretended
to have never existed.
damage
without
A loss that results from no one's wrongdoing.
damnum absque
injury
In Roman law, a man is not responsible for
injuria
unintended, consequential injury to another
resulting from a lawful act. This protection

does not necessarily apply to unintended

damage by negligence or folly.
with due respect" or Used before disagreeing with someone.
data venia
"given the excuse
God grants the
Motto of Westminster School, a leading British
dat deus
increase
independent school.
incrementum
de bonis asportatis carrying goods away Trespass de bonis asportatis was the traditional
name forlarceny, or wrongful taking of
chattels.
Decus Et Tutamen An ornament and a Inscription on one pound coins. Originally on
safeguard
17th century coins, it refers to the inscribed
edge as a protection against the clippingof
precious metal. The phrase originally comes
from Virgil'sAeneid.
descensus in cuniculi The descent into the Down the Rabbit Hole (see: Alice's Adventures
cave of the rabbit
in Wonderland#Famous lines and expressions.
cavum
of
the
date
Used in the context of "As we agreed in the
de dato
meeting d.d.26th Mai 2006.
in fact
Said of something that is the actual state of
de facto
affairs, in contrast to something's legal or
official standing, which is described as de
jure. De facto refers to the "way things really
are" rather than what is "officially" presented
as the fact.

de fideli

de futuro
de gustibus non est
disputandum

Although the emperor held the

title and trappings of head of
state, the Shogun was thede
facto ruler of Japan.
with faithfulness
A clerk makes the declaration De fideli on
when appointed, promising to do his or her
tasks faithfully as a servant of the court.
regarding the future Usually used in the context of "at a future
time"
there is not to be
Less literally "In matters of taste there is no
discussion regarding dispute" or simply "There's no arguing taste".
tastes
Likely of Scholastic origin (see Wiktionary).
A related expression in English is "There's no
accounting for taste".
Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, without
attribution, renders the phrase as de gustibus
non disputandum; the verb "to be" is often
assumed in Latin, and is rarely required.
An alternative form is de gustibus et coloribus
non est disputandum "There's no arguing
about tastes and colors."

de integro
de jure

again, a second time

by law
"Official", in contrast with de facto. Analogous

to "in principle", whereas de facto is to "in

practice". In other contexts, can mean
"according to law", "by right" or "legally".
Also commonly written de iure,
the classical form.
from law to be
passed
from law passed" or
de lege lata
"by law in force
The court does not want to bother with small,
de minimis non curat The law does not
bother with the
trivial things. A case must have importance for
lex
smallest things.
the court to hear it. See "de minimis not curat
praetor".
The
commander
Also "The chief magistrate does not concern
de minimis non curat
does not bother with himself with trifles." Trivial matters are no
praetor
the smallest things. concern of a high official (cf.aquila non capit
muscas, the eagle does not catch flies).
Sometimes rex (the king) or lex (the law) is
used in place ofpraetor, and de minimis is a
legal term referring to things unworthy of the
law's attention.
Less literally, "speak well of the dead or not at
de mortuis aut bene about the dead,
either well or
all" (cf. de mortuis nil nisi bonum).
aut nihil
nothing
about the dead,
From de mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum est,
de mortuis nil nisi
nothing unless a
"nothing must be said about the dead except
bonum
good thing
the good", attributed by Diogenes
Laertius to Chilon. In legal contexts, this
quotation is used with the opposite meaning, as
defaming a deceased person is not a crime. In
other contexts, it refers to taboos against
criticizing the recently deceased.
about us is the story Thus, "their story is our story". Originally
de nobis fabula
told
referred to the end of Rome's dominance. Now
narratur
often used when comparing any current
situation to a past story or historical event.
from the new
"Anew" or "afresh". In law, a trial de novo is a
de novo
retrial. In biology, de novo means newlysynthesized, and a de novomutation is a
mutation that neither parent possessed or
transmitted. In economics, de novo refers to
newly-founded companies, and de novo banks
are state banks that have been in operation for
five years or less.
be suspicious of
Karl Marx's favorite motto. He used this to
de omnibus
everything,
doubt
explain his standpoint: "Critique everything in
dubitandum
everything
a capitalist economy".
A 15th-century Italian scholar wrote the De
de omni re scibili et about every
knowable thing, and omni re scibiliportion, and a wag added et
quibusdam aliis
even certain other
quibusdam aliis.
things
De Oppresso Liber Free From Having Commonly mistranslated as "To Liberate the
de lege ferenda

Been Oppressed
de profundis

from the depths

de re

about the matter

Dei Gratia Regina

By the Grace of
God, Queen

Dei sub numine viget under God's Spirit

she flourishes
peevish delight
delectatio morosa

Oppressed". The motto of the United States

Army Special Forces.
Out of the depths of misery or dejection. From
the Latin translation of Psalm 130.
In logic, de dicto statements (about the truth of
a proposition) are distinguished from de
re statements (about the properties of a thing
itself).
Also Dei Gratia Rex (By the Grace of God,
King). Abbreviated as D G REG
preceding Fidei Defensor (F D) on British
pounds, and as D G Regina on Canadian coins.
Motto of Princeton University.

In Catholic theology, a pleasure taken in sinful

thought or imagination, such as brooding on
sexual images. It is distinct from actual sexual
desire, and involves voluntary and complacent
erotic fantasizing, without any attempt to
suppress such thoughts.
deliriant isti Romani They are mad, those A translation into Latin from Ren Goscinny's
Romans!
"ils sont fous, ces romains!", frequently issued
by Obelix in the Asterix comics.
God and Truth
Motto of Colgate University.
Deo ac veritati
for God and for
Motto of Methodist Ladies' College,
Deo domuique
home
Melbourne.
for God and Country Motto of Regis High School.
Deo et Patriae
thanks [be] to God The semi-Hispanicized form Deogracias is a
Deo gratias
Philippine first name.
Derived from the Pagan Iupiter Optimo
Deo Optimo Maximo To the Best and
Greatest God
Maximo (To the best and greatest Jupiter).
(DOM)
Printed on bottles of Bndictine liqueur.
with God as
Motto of the Confederate States of America.
Deo vindice
protector
An alternate translation is "With an avenging
God".
with God willing
This was often used in conjunction with a
Deo volente
signature at the end of letters. It was used in
order to signify that "God willing" this letter
will get to you safely, "God willing" the
contents of this letter come true.
God is Love
The first encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI.
deus caritas est
a god from a
From the Greek (Ap
deus ex machina
machine
mchans Thes). A contrived or artificial
solution, usually to a literary plot. Refers to the
practice in Greek drama of lowering by
machine an actor playing a god or goddess,
typically either Athena or (as inEuripides)
the Dioscuri onto the stage to resolve an
insuperable conflict in the plot.
God wills it!
The principal slogan of the Crusades.
Deus vult

deus otiosus
Dicto simpliciter

God at leisure
[From] a maxim,
simply

dictum meum
pactum
diem perdidi

my word [is] my
bond
I have lost the day

Diem Ex Dei
Dies Irae

Day of God
Day of Wrath

Dies non juridicum

Day
without judiciary

I.e. "From a rule without exception." Short

for A dicto simpliciter, the a often being
dropped by confusion with the indefinite
article. A dicto simpliciter occurs when an
acceptable exception is ignored or eliminated.
For instance, the appropriateness of using
opiates is dependent on the presence of
extreme pain. To justify the recreational use of
opiates by referring to a cancer patient or to
justify arresting said cancer patient by
comparing him to the recreational user would
be a dicto simpliciter.
Motto of the London Stock Exchange
From the Roman Emperor Titus. Passed down
in Suetonius's biography of him in Lives of the
Twelve Caesars (8)
Refers to the Judgment Day in Christian
eschatology. The name of a famous 13thcentury Medieval Latin hymn by Tommaso da
Celano, used in the Mass for the dead.
Days under common law (traditionally
Sunday) in which no legal process can be
served and any judgment is void. This concept
was first codified by the English Parliament in
the reign of Charles II.

differentia specifica specific differences

I direct
In Classical Latin, "I arrange". State
dirigo
motto of Maine. Based on a comparison of the
state of Maine to the star Polaris.
it seemed otherwise In other words, the gods have different plans
dis aliter visum
to the gods
than mortals, and so events do not always play
out as people wish them to.
dis manibus sacrum Sacred to the ghost- Refers to the Manes, Roman spirits of the dead.
gods
Loosely "To the memory of". A conventional
(D.M.S.)
inscription preceding the name of the deceased
on pagan grave markings, often shortened
to dis manibus (D.M.), "for the ghost-gods".
Preceded in some earlier monuments by hic
situs est (H. S. E.), "he lies here".
Learn
or
Depart
Motto of Royal College, Colombo.
Disce aut Discede
disce quasi semper Learn as if always Attributed to St Edmund of Abingdon.
victurus vive quasi going to live; live as
if tomorrow going to
cras moriturus
die.
Our students are the
discipuli nostri
stupidest
bardissimi sunt
That is, "scattered
scattered
remains".
limbs Paraphrased from Horace, Satires, I, 4, 62, where it
disjecta membra
was written "disiecti membra poetae" (limbs of a scattered poet). Also written as disiecta

membra.
ditat Deus

God enriches

divide et impera

divide and rule

dixi

I have spoken

["...", ...] dixit

["...", ...] said

do ut des

I give that you may

give

State motto of Arizona, adopted in 1911.

Probably derived from the Vulgate's translation
of Genesis 14:23.
A Roman maxim adopted by Julius
Caesar, Louis XI andMachiavelli. Commonly
rendered "divide and conquer".
A popular eloquent expression, usually used in
the end of a speech. The implied meaning is: "I
have said all that I had to say and thus the
argument is settled".
Used to attribute a statement or opinion to its
author, rather than the speaker.
Often said or written for sacrifices, when one
"gives" and expects something back from the
gods.
Also translated "One learns by teaching."
Attributed to Seneca the Younger.

It is learned by
teaching
I learn by teaching,
Docendo disco,
think by writing.
scribendo cogito
"Thedolus
... concept
is particularspecial
to a few
intent
civil law systems and cannot sweepingly be equated with
specialis
the notions of special or specific intent in common law systems. Of course, the same might
equally be said of the concept of specific intent, a notion used in the common law almost
exclusively within the context of the defense of voluntary intoxication."Genocide scholar
William Schabas3
Lord guide us
Motto of the City of London.
Domine dirige nos
Dominus Illuminatio the Lord is my light Motto of the University of Oxford.
Mea
Phrase used during and at the end of Catholic
Dominus vobiscum Lord be with you
sermons, and a general greeting form among
and towards members of Catholic
organizations, such as priests and nuns. See
also pax vobiscum.
give us peace
Often set to music, either by itself or as part of
dona nobis pacem
the Agnus Deiprayer of the Mass (see above).
Also an ending in the video game Haunting
Ground.
donatio mortis causa giving in expectation A legal concept where a person in imminent
of death
mortal danger need not meet the
requisite consideration to create or modify
a will.
a sleeping dragon is Motto of the fictional Hogwarts school in
draco dormiens
nunquam titillandus never to be tickled the Harry Potterseries; translated more loosely
in the books as "never tickle a sleeping
dragon".
dramatis personae the parts of the play More literally, "the masks of the drama"; more
figuratively, "cast of characters". The
characters represented in a dramatic work.
Stan Laurel, inscription for the fanclub
Duae tabulae rasae Two blank slates
with nothing written logo Sons of the Desert.
in quibus nihil
upon them
scriptum est
Docendo discitur

The fates lead the

Attributed to Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
willing and drag the
unwilling
Leadership by
This is the motto for the United States Marine
Example
Corps' Officer Candidates School located at
Marine Corps Base Quantico; Quantico,
Virginia.
war is sweet to the War may seem pleasant to those who have
dulce bellum
inexperienced
never been involved in it, though the more
inexpertis
experienced know better. A phrase
fromErasmus in the 16th century.
From Horace, Odes III, 2, 13. Used by Wilfred
dulce et decorum est It is sweet and
honorable to die for Owen for the title of a poem about World War
pro patria mori
the fatherland.
I, Dulce et Decorum Est.
a sweet and useful Horace wrote in his Ars Poetica that poetry
dulce et utile
thing
must be dulce et utile (pleasant and profitable),
both enjoyable and instructive.
danger is sweet
Horace, Odes III, 25, 16. Motto of the Scottish
dulce periculum
clan Clan MacAulay.
sweeter after
Motto of the Scottish clan Clan Fergusson.4
Dulcius ex asperis
difficulties
while I breathe, I
State motto of South Carolina. From Cicero.
dum spiro spero
hope
Used when someone has been asked for urgent
dum Roma deliberat while Rome
debates,Saguntum is help, but responds with no immediate action.
Saguntum perit
in danger
Similar to Hannibal ante portas, but referring
to a less personal danger.
While we live, we
motto of Presbyterian College.
dum vivimus
serve
servimus
the law [is] harsh,
dura lex sed lex
but [it is] the law
tough mother
Outer covering of the brain.
dura mater
dum vita est, spes est while there is life,
there is hope
War leader
dux bellorum
Ducunt volentem
fata, nolentem
trahunt
Ductus exemplo

Latin
e pluribus unum

Ecce Homo

editio princeps

Translation
Notes
'From many, (comes) Usually translated 'Out of many, (is) One.' Motto of the United
One.'
States of America. Inscribed on the Capitol and many coins used
in the United States of America. Also used as the motto of S.L.
Benfica.
'Behold the Man'
From the Latin Vulgate Gospel according to St.
John (XIX.v)(19.5, Douay-Rheims), where Pilate speaks these
words as he presents Christ, crowned with thorns, to the crowd. It
is also the title of Nietzsche's autobiography and of the theme
music byHoward Goodall for the BBC comedy Mr. Bean. Oscar
Wildeopened his defense with this phrase when on trial
for pederasty.
'first edition'
The first printed edition of a work.

e.g.

'for the sake of

example'

Abbreviation for exempli gratia, below.

Often confused with id est (i.e.)[1]. e.g. is used to introduce one or
more examples.

Ego non
ego te absolvo

'not I'
'I absolve you'

ego te provoco
emeritus

'I dare you'

'veteran'

ens causa sui

'existing because of
oneself'

Part of the absolution-formula spoken by a priest as part of the

sacrament of Penance (cf. absolvo).
Also 'worn-out'. Retired from office. Often used to denote a
position held at the point of retirement, as an honor, such
asprofessor emeritus or provost emeritus. This does not
necessarily mean that the honoree is no longer active.
Or 'being one's own cause'. Traditionally, a being that owes its
existence to no other being, hence God or a Supreme
Being (cf.Primum Mobile).
State motto of Massachusetts, adopted in 1775.

ense petit placidam 'by the sword she

sub libertate quietem seeks gentle peace
under liberty'
A phrase used in modern Western philosophy on the nature of
entitas ipsa involvit 'reality involves a
power to compel sure truth.
aptitudinem ad
assent'
extorquendum
certum assensum
'by that very act'
Technical term used in philosophy and the law. It means 'by that
eo ipso
very act'; similar to ipso facto. Example: "The fact that I am does
not eo ipso mean that I think." From Latin eo ipso, ablativeform
of id ipsum, "that (thing) itself".
'do not trust the
Virgil, Aeneid, II. 48-49 (Latin)
equo ne credite
horse'
'by that name'
eo nomine
'therefore'
Denotes a logical conclusion (cf. cogito ergo sum).
ergo
'in relation to
erga omnes
everyone'
From Seneca the Younger. The full quote is errare humanum
errare humanum est 'to err is human'
est, sed perseverare diabolicum: 'to err is human, but to persist
is diabolical.'
'error'
Or 'mistake'. Lists of errors in a previous edition of a work are
erratum
often marked with the plural, errata ('errors').
'to be is to be
George Berkeley's motto for his idealist philosophical position
esse est percipi
perceived'
that nothing exists independently of its perception by a mind
except minds themselves.
'to be, rather than to Truly being something, rather than merely seeming to be
esse quam videri
seem'
something. State motto of North Carolina and academic motto of
several schools, including North Carolina State
University,Berklee College of Music, and Columbia College
Chicago as well as Connell's Point Public School and Cranbrook
High School in Sydney, Australia. From chapter 26
of Cicero's De amicitia ('On Friendship'). Earlier than Cicero, the
phrase had been used by Sallust in his Bellum Catilinae (54.6),
where he wrote that Cato esse quam videri bonus malebat ('he
preferred to be good, rather than to seem so'). Earlier
still, Aeschylus used a similar phrase in Seven Against Thebes,

line 592, ou gar dokein aristos, all' enai thelei ('his resolve is
not to seem the best, but in fact to be the best').
'may it be perpetual' Said of Venice by the Venetian historian Fra Paolo Sarpi shortly
esto perpetua
before his death. Also the state motto of Idaho, adopted in 1867,
and of S. Thomas' College, Sri Lanka.
et alibi (et al.)
'and elsewhere'
A less common variant on et cetera used at the end of a list of
locations to denote unlisted places.
et alii (et al.)
'and others'
Used similarly to et cetera ('and the rest'), to stand for a list of
names. Alii is actually masculine, so it can be used for men, or
groups of men and women; the feminine, et aliae (or et ali), is
appropriate when the 'others' are all female. Et alia is neuter
plural and thus properly used only for inanimate, genderless
objects, but some use it as a gender-neutral alternative.5 APA
style uses et al. if the work cited was written by more than six
authors; MLA style uses et al. for more than three authors.
et cetera (etc.) or(&c.) 'And the rest'
In modern usages, also used to mean 'and so on' or 'and more'.
And light was made From Genesis 1:3 "and there was light".
et facta est lux
'And all that sort of Abbreviated to e.h.g.o. or ehgo
et hoc genus omne
thing'
etiam si omnes... ego also if all ones... not I
non
'and in Arcadia [am] In other words, 'I, too, am in Arcadia'. See memento mori.
et in Arcadia ego
I'
'And now, O ye
From the Book of Psalms, II.x. (Vulgate), 2.10 (Douay-Rheims).
et nunc reges
intelligite erudimini kings, understand:
qui judicati terram receive instruction,
you that judge the
earth.'
et si omnes... ego non even if all ones... not
I
Pluralized as et sequentia ('and the following things'),
et sequentes (et seq.) 'and the following'
abbreviations: et seqq., et seq.., or sqq.
More typically translated as either (a) "Sayin' it don't make it so",
et suppositio nil ponit 'a supposition puts
nothing in being'
or (b) "Hypothetically..."
in esse
'And you, Brutus?'
Also 'Even you, Brutus?' or 'You too, Brutus?' Used to indicate a
et tu, Brute?
betrayal by someone close. From Shakespeare's Julius Caesar,
based on the traditional dying words of Julius Caesar. However,
these were almost certainly not Caesar's true last
words;Plutarch quotes Caesar as saying, in Greek (which was the
language of Rome's elite at the time), ; (Ka s
tknon?), in English 'You as well, (my) child?', quoting
fromMenander. Some have speculated based on this that Brutus
was Caesar's child, though there is no substantial evidence of this.
'and wife'
A legal term.
et uxor (et ux.)
From the Gospel according to St. Matthew, XII.xxxiv
ex abundantia enim 'For out of the
abundance of the
(Vulgate),12.34 (Douay-Rheims) and the Gospel according to St.
cordis os loquitur
heart the mouth
Luke,VI.xlv (Vulgate), 6.45 (Douay-Rheims). Sometimes
speaketh.'
rendered without enim ('for').
ex abundanti cautela 'from abundant
caution'

ex aequo
ex animo
ex ante

'from the equal'

'from the heart'
'from before'

Ex Astris Scientia

'From the Stars,

Knowledge'

ex cathedra

'from the chair'

ex Deo
ex dolo malo

'from God'
'from fraud'

ex facie

'from the face'

ex fide fiducia

'from faith [comes]

confidence'
'from kindness'

ex gratia

ex hypothesi
ex lege
ex libris
ex luna scientia
ex malo bonum

ex mea sententia
ex nihilo nihil fit

'On equal footing', i.e., 'in a tie'.

Thus, 'sincerely'.
'Beforehand', 'before the event'. Based on prior assumptions. A
forecast.
The motto of the fictional Starfleet Academy on Star Trek.
Adapted from ex luna scientia, which in turn was modeled afterex
scientia tridens.
A phrase applied to the declarations or promulgations of
thePope when, in communion with the college of cardinals,
preserved from the possibility of error by the action of the Holy
Ghost (see Papal Infallibility), he solemnly declares or
promulgates ("from the chair" that was the ancient symbol of the
teacher and of the governor, in this case of the church) a
dogmatic teaching on faith or morals as being contained in divine
revelation, or at least being intimately connected to divine
revelation. Used, by extension, of anyone who is perceived as
speaking as though with supreme authority.
'From harmful deceit'; dolus malus is the Latin legal term for
'fraud'. The full legal phrase is ex dolo malo non oritur actio ('an
action does not arise from fraud'). When an action has its origin
in fraud or deceit, it cannot be supported; thus, a court of law will
not assist a man who bases his course of action on an immoral or
illegal act.
Idiomatically rendered 'on the face of it'. A legal term typically
used to note that a document's explicit terms are defective without
further investigation.
A motto of St George's College, Harare.

More literally 'from grace'. Refers to someone voluntarily

performing an act purely out of kindness, as opposed to for
personal gain or from being forced to do it. In law, an ex
gratiapayment is one made without recognizing any liability or
legal obligation.
'from the hypothesis' Thus, 'by hypothesis'.
'from the law'
'from the books'
Precedes a person's name, with the meaning of 'from the library
of...'
'from the moon,
The motto of the Apollo 13 moon mission, derived from ex
knowledge'
scientia tridens.
'good out of evil'
From St. Augustine's "Sermon LXI" where he
contradictsSeneca's dictum in Epistulae 87:22: bonum ex malo
non fit (good does not come from evil). Also: the alias of
the Anberlin song, "Miserabile Visu" from their album New
Surrender.
'in my opinion'
'nothing may come From Lucretius, and said earlier by Empedocles. Its original
from nothing'
meaning is 'work is required to succeed', but its modern meaning
is a more general 'everything has its origins in something'
(cf.causality). It is commonly applied to the conservation laws in
philosophy and modern science. Ex nihilo often used in

ex oblivione
ex officio

ex opere operantis

ex opere operato

ex oriente lux

ex parte
ex pede Herculem
ex post
ex post facto
ex professo
ex scientia tridens

ex scientia vera
ex silentio

ex tempore
ex vi termini
ex vivo

conjunction with the term creation, as in creatio ex nihilo,

meaning 'creation, out of nothing'. It is often used in philosophy
or theology in connection with the proposition that God created
the universe from nothing. It is also mentioned in the final adlibof the Monty Python song Always Look on the Bright Side of
Life.
'from oblivion'
The title of a short story by H.P. Lovecraft.
'from the office'
By virtue of office or position; 'by right of office'. Often used
when someone holds one position by virtue of holding another. A
common misconception is that ex officio members of a committee
or congress may not vote, but this is not guaranteed by that title.
'from the work of the A theological phrase contrasted with ex opere operato, referring
one working'
to the notion that the validity or promised benefit of
a sacramentdepends on the person administering it.
'from the work
A theological phrase meaning that the act of receiving
worked'
asacrament actually confers the promised benefit, such as
abaptism actually and literally cleansing one's sins. The Catholic
Church affirms that the source of grace is God, not just the
actions or disposition of the minister or the recipient of the
sacrament.
'from the East, the
Originally refers to the sun rising in the east, but alludes to
light'
culture coming from the Eastern world.
Motto of Viadrina European University and others.
'from a part'
A legal term meaning 'by one party' or 'for one party'. Thus, on
behalf of one side or party only.
'from Hercules' foot' From the measure of Hercules' foot you shall know his size; from
a part, the whole.
'from after'
'Afterward', 'after the event'. Based on knowledge of the past.
Measure of past performance.
'from a thing done
Said of a law with retroactive effect.
afterward'
'with due
Said of the person who perfectly knows his art or science.
competence'
'from knowledge, sea The United States Naval Academy motto. Refers to knowledge
power.'
bringing men power over the sea comparable to that of thetridentbearing Greek god Poseidon.
'from knowledge,
The motto of the College of Graduate Studies at Middle
truth.'
Tennessee State University.
'from silence'
In general, the claim that the absence of something demonstrates
the proof of a proposition. An argumentum ex silentio ('argument
from silence') is an argument based on the assumption that
someone's silence on a matter suggests ('proves' when a logical
fallacy) that person's ignorance of the matter or their inability to
counterargue validly.
'from time'
'This instant', 'right away' or 'immediately'. Also
writtenextempore.
'from the force of the Thus, 'by definition'.
term'
'out of or from life' Used in reference to the study or assay of living tissue in an
artificial environment outside the living organism.

ex voto

'from the vow'

excelsior

'higher'

exceptio firmat
regulam in casibus
non exceptis

'The exception
confirms the rule in
cases which are not
excepted'

exceptio probat
regulam in casibus
non exceptis

'The exception
confirms the rule in
cases which are not
excepted'
'an excuse that has
not been sought is an
obvious accusation'
'may he leave'
'for the sake of
example'

Thus, in accordance with a promise. An ex voto is also an

offering made in fulfillment of a vow.
'Ever upward!' The state motto of New York. Also a catch
phrase used by Marvel Comics head Stan Lee.
A juridical motto which means that exception, as for example
during a 'state of exception', does not put in danger the legitimacy
of the rule in its globality. In other words, the exception is strictly
limited to a particular sphere. See alsoexceptio strictissimi juris
est and exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis.
A juridical motto often mistranslated as "the exception that
proves the rule". See also firmat regulam in casibus non
exceptis.

More loosely, 'he who excuses himself, accuses himself'an

unprovoked excuse is a sign of guilt. In French, qui s'excuse,
s'accuse.
A formal leave of absence (cf. exit).
exeat
Usually shortened in English to 'for example' (see citation signal).
exempli gratia (e.g.)
Often confused with id est (i.e.).6
Exempli gratia,'for example', is commonly abbreviated 'e.g.'; in
this usage it is sometimes followed by a comma, depending on
style.7
'an army without
On a plaque at the former military staff building of the Swedish
exercitus sine duce
corpus est sine spiritu leader is like a body Armed Forces.
without spirit'
'they leave'
The plural of exit. Also extended to exeunt omnes, 'everyone
exeunt
leaves'.
'experience teaches' This term has been used in dermatopathology to express that
experientia docet
there is no substitute for experience in dealing with all the
numerous variations that may occur with skin conditions.8 The
term has also been used in gastroenterology.9
experimentum crucis 'crucial experiment' Literally 'experiment of the cross'. A decisive test of a scientific
theory.
'trust the expert'
Literally 'believe one who has had experience'. An author's aside
experto crede
to the reader.
'the expression of the 'Mentioning one thing may exclude another thing'. A principle of
expressio unius est
one is the exclusion legal statutory interpretation: the explicit presence of a thing
exclusio alterius
of the other'
implies intention to exclude others; e.g., a reference in the Poor
Relief Act 1601 to 'lands, houses, tithes and coal mines' was held
to exclude mines other than coal mines. Sometimes expressed
as expressum facit cessare tacitum (broadly, 'the expression of
one thing excludes the implication of something else').
'still in existence;
adjective:
extant
surviving'
extant law is still existing, in existence, existent, surviving,
remaining, undestroyed. Usage, when a law is repealed the extant
law governs.
'(placed) outside of Refers to a possible result of Catholic ecclesiastical legal
extra domus
the house'
proceedings when the culprit is removed from being part of a
group like a monastery.
'Outside the Church This expression comes from the writings of Saint Cyprian of
Extra Ecclesiam
excusatio non petita
accusatio manifesta

there is no salvation' Carthage, a bishop of the third century. It is often used to

summarise the doctrine that the Catholic Church is absolutely
necessary for salvation.
'Out, all of you.'
It is issued by the Master of the Papal Liturgical
Extra omnes
Celebrationsbefore a session of the Papal Conclave which will
elect a newPope. When spoken, all those who are not Cardinals,
or those otherwise mandated to be present at the Conclave, must
leave the Sistine Chapel.
extra territorium jus 'he who administers Refers to extraterritorial jurisdiction. Often cited in law of the
dicenti impune non justice outside of his sea cases on the high seas.
territory is disobeyed
paretur
with impunity'
nulla salus

Latin
Faber est suae
quisque fortunae
fac fortia et patere

Translation
Every man is the
artisan of his own
fortune
do brave deeds and
endure
make a similar thing
actions, not words

Notes
Appius Claudius Caecus. Motto of Fort Street High School in
Petersham, Sydney , Australia.
Motto of Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, Australia.

Origin of the word facsimile, and, through it, of fax.

Motto of United States Navy Destroyer Squadron 22 and Joint
Task Force 2, Star of the Sea College, Convent of Holy Child
Jesus School, Layton Hill, Blackpool, and Southwood Boys'
Grammar School in Ringwood, Victoria, Australia and Fred
Longworth High School in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, in
England.
A Roman legal principle indicating that a witness who willfully
falsus in uno, falsus false in one thing,
false in everything
falsifies one matter is not credible on any matter. The underlying
in omnibus
motive for attorneys to impeach opposing witnesses in court: the
principle discredits the rest of their testimony if it is without
corroboration.
felon from himself
An archaic legal term for one who commits suicide, referring to
felo de se
early English common law punishments, such as land seizure,
inflicted on those who killed themselves.
men generally believe People's beliefs are shaped largely by their desires. Julius
fere libenter
what they want to
Caesar, The Gallic War 3.18
homines id quod
volunt credunt
hurry slowly
An oxymoronic motto of Augustus. It encourages proceeding
festina lente
quickly, but with calm and caution. Equivalent to 'More haste,
less speed'. Motto of The Madeira School, McLean, Virginia.
Motto of Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor.
fiat iustitia et pereat let justice be done,
and the world shall
mundus
perish
let justice be done
Attributed to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus.
fiat justitia ruat
should the sky fall
caelum
let light be made
Less literally, "let light arise" or "let there be light" (cf. lux sit).
fiat lux
From the Latin translation of Genesis, "dixitque Deus fiat lux et
facta est lux" (and God said, 'Let light be made', and light was
made). The motto of Parkland Composite High School,
theUniversity of California, University of Washington, Clark
University, Waynesburg University, Angelo State
fac simile
facta, non verba

University,University of Lethbridge, Rollins College, Hiram

College,Alfred University and Kitsilano Secondary School. It is
also the motto of the Conservatorium High School in Sydney,
Australia. It is incorporated into the logo of the University of
Liverpool and Emmanuel College at the University of
Queensland.
Fiat Voluntas Dei
Fiat Voluntas Tua
Fidei Defensor (Fid
Def) or (fd)

fidem scit

fides qua creditur

fides quae creditur
fides quaerens
intellectum
fidus Achates
finis vitae sed non
amoris
omnibus locis fit
caedes
flagellum dei
flectere si nequeo
superos, Achaeronta
movebo
floreat etona
floruit (fl.)
fluctuat nec
mergitur
fons et origo
fortes fortuna adiuvat
fortes in fide

fortis cadere, cedere

non potest
fortis est veritas

May God's will be

done
Thy will be done

The motto of Archbishop Richard Smith of the Roman Catholic

Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Defender of the Faith A title given to Henry VIII of England by Pope Leo X on October
17, 1521 before Henry became a heresiarch. Still used by the
British monarchs, it appears on all British coins, usually
abbreviated.
"He knows the faith" Sometimes mistranslated to "Keep the faith", when used in
contemporary English-language writings of all kinds to convey a
light-hearted wish for the reader's well-being. The humor comes
from the phrase's similarity in pronunciation to the words "Feed
'em shit".
the faith by which it is the personal faith which apprehends, contrasted
believed
with fides quaecreditur
"the faith which is
the content of "the faith," contrasted with fides qua creditur
believed
"faith seeking
the motto of Saint Anselm, found in his Proslogion
understanding
faithful Achates
A faithful friend. From the name of Aeneas's faithful companion
in Virgil's Aeneid.
The end of Life is not
the end of Love
Let there be slaughter Julius Caesar's The Gallic War, 7.67
everywhere
scourge of god
Referred to Attila the Hun, when he led his armies to invade the
Western Roman Empire.
If I cannot move
Virgil's Aeneid - Book 7
heaven I will raise
hell
May Eton Flourish
Motto of Eton College
one flourished
Indicates the period when a historical figure whose birth and
death dates are unknown was most active.
she wavers and is not Motto of Paris.
immersed
the spring and source "The fountainhead and beginning". The source and origin.
Fortune favours the
bold
strong in faith
"Fortes in Fide" is the Motto of Ateneo de Davao University.
Used "Fortiores in Fide"(Stronger in Faith) during the 50th
Anniversary in 1998]
The brave may fall, Motto of Fahnestock Family Arms.
but cannot yield
truth is strong
Motto on the coat of arms of Oxford, England.

fortis et liber
fortiter et fideliter

strong and free

Motto of Alberta.
bravely and faithfully Motto of The King's School, Sydney.

Latin
gaudeamus hodie
gaudeamus igitur

Translation
let us rejoice today
therefore let us
rejoice
gaudium in veritate joy in truth
generalia specialibus universal things do
not detract from
non derogant
specific things
spirit of place
genius loci

gesta non verba

Gloria in Excelsis
Deo
Gloria Patri
gloriosus et liber
Gradibus
ascendimus
gradatim ferociter

Notes
First words of a famous academic anthem used, among other
places, in The Student Prince.

A principle of legal statutory interpretation: If a matter falls under

a specific provision and a general provision, it shall be governed
by the specific provision.
The unique, distinctive aspects or atmosphere of a place, such as
those celebrated in art, stories, folk tales, and festivals. Originally,
the genius loci was literally the protective spirit of a place, a
creature usually depicted as a snake.
Deeds not words
Motto of James Ruse Agricultural High School.
Glory to God in the Often translated "Glory to God on High". The title and beginning
Highest
of an ancient Roman Catholic doxology, the Greater Doxology.
See also ad maiorem Dei gloriam.
Glory to the Father
The beginning of the Lesser Doxology.
glorious and free
Motto of Manitoba
Ascending by degrees Motto of Grey College, Durham

by degrees,
Motto of private spaceflight company Blue Origin
ferociously
Truth through God's Motto of Uppsala University
Gratiae veritas
mercy and nature
naturae
heavier things remain In other words, "more severe things await" or simply "the worst is
graviora manent
yet to come".
gutta cavat lapidem a water drop hollows From Ovid, Epistulae ex Ponto IV, 10, 5.
a stone not by force,
non vi sed saepe
but by falling often
cadendo
H

Latin
habeas corpus

habemus papam
Habent sua fata
libelli

hac lege
haec olim
meminisse iuvabit

Translation
Notes
You should have the A legal term from the 14th century or earlier. Refers to a number
body
of legal writs to bring a person before a court or judge, most
commonly habeas corpus ad subjiciendum (you may have the
body to bring up). Commonly used as the general term for a
prisoner's legal right to challenge the legality of their detention.
we have a pope
Used after a Roman Catholic Church papal election to announce
publicly a successful ballot to elect a new pope.
Books have their
destiny [according to
the capabilities of the
reader]
with this law
one day, this will be Commonly rendered in English as "One day, we'll look back on
pleasing to remember this and smile". From Virgil's Aeneid 1.203. Also, motto of
theJefferson Society.

Hannibal before the

Hannibal ante
gates
portas
Hannibal ad portas Hannibal is at the
gates
haud ignota loquor I speak not of
unknown things
hic abundant leones here lions abound
here and now
hic et nunc
here lies
hic jacet (HJ)

hic manebimus
optime

here we'll stay

excellently

hic sunt dracones

here there are

dragons
here there are lions
hence those tears

hic sunt leones

hinc illae lacrimae

historia vitae
magistra
hoc age
hoc est bellum
hoc est Christum
cognoscere,
beneficia eius
cognoscere
Hoc Est Enim
Corpus Meum

Refers to wasting time while the enemy is already here. Attributed

to Cicero.
Roman parents would tell their misbehaving children this,
invoking their fear of Hannibal.
Thus, "I say no things that are unknown". From Virgil's Aeneid,
2.91.
Written on uncharted territories of old maps.
Also rendered hic iacet. Written on gravestones or tombs,
preceding the name of the deceased. Equivalent to hic
sepultus(here is buried), and sometimes combined into hic jacet
sepultus(HJS), "here lies buried".
According to Titus Livius the phrase was pronounced by Marcus
Furius Camillus, addressing the senators who intended to abandon
the city, invaded by Gauls, in 390 BCE circa. It is used today to
express the intent to keep one's position even if the circumstances
appear adverse.
Written on uncharted territories of old maps.

Written on uncharted territories of old maps.

From Terence, Andria, line 125. Originally literal, referring to the
tears shed by Pamphilus at the funeral of Chrysis, it came to be
used proverbally in the works of later authors, such
as Horace(Epistula XIX, 41).
history, the teacher of From Cicero, Tusculanas, 2, 16. Also "history is the mistress of
life
life".
do this
Motto of Bradford Grammar School, often purposefully
mistranslated by pupils as "Just do it!".
This is war
To know Christ is to Famous dictum by the Reformer Melanchthon in his Loci
know his benefits
Communes of 1521

This is my Body

The words of Jesus reiterated in Latin during the Roman Catholic

Eucharist. "Hoc Est Corpus" May be the source of the expression
"hocus-pocus".citation needed
man
[is
a]
wolf
to
First attested in Plautus' Asinaria (lupus est homo homini). The
homo homini lupus
man
sentence was drawn on by Hobbes in Leviathan as a concise
expression of his human nature view.
homo sum humani a I am a human being; From Terence, Heautontimoroumenos. Originally "strange" or
nothing human is
"foreign" (alienum) was used in the sense of "irrelevant", as this
me nihil alienum
strange to me
line was a response to the speaker being told to mind his own
puto
business, but it is now commonly used to advocate respecting
different cultures and being humane in general. Puto (I consider) is
not translated because it is meaningless outside of the line's context
within the play.
(I fear) a man of one Attributed to Thomas Aquinas
homo unius libri
book
(timeo)
Treat the Man, not
Motto of the Far Eastern University - Institute of Nursing
hominem non
the Disease
morbum cura

honor virtutis
praemium
honoris causa
hora fugit
hora somni (h.s.)
horas non numero
nisi serenas
hortus in urbe
hortus siccus
horribile dictu
hostis humani
generis
hypotheses non
fingo

esteem is the reward Motto of Arnold School, Blackpool, England

of virtue
for the sake of honor Said of an honorary title, such as "Doctor of Science honoris
causa".
the hour flees
See tempus fugit.
at the hour of sleep Medical shorthand for "at bedtime".
I do not count the
A common inscription on sundials.
hours unless they are
sunny
A garden in the city Motto of the Chicago Park District, a playful allusion to the city's
motto, urbs in horto, q.v.
A dry garden
A collection of dry, preserved plants.
horrible to say
That is, "a horrible thing to relate". A pun on mirabile dictu.
enemy of the human Cicero defined pirates in Roman law as being enemies of humanity
race
in general.
I do not fabricate
From Newton, Principia. Less literally, "I do not assert that any
hypotheses
hypotheses are true".

Latin
ibidem (ibid.)

Translation
in the same place

idem (id.)

the same

idem quod (i.q.)

id est (i.e.)

the same as
that is

Notes
Usually used in bibliographic citations to refer to the last source
previously referenced.
Used to refer to something that has already been cited. See
alsoibidem.
Not to be confused with an intelligence quotient.
"That is (to say)", "in other words", or sometimes "in this case",
depending on the context.

Id est, i.e., "that is", is commonly abbreviated "i.e."; in this usage

it can be followed by a comma, or not, depending on style
(American English and British English respectively).
id quod plerumque that which generally A phrase used in legal language to indicate the most probable
happens
outcome from an act, fact, event or cause.
accidit
the Ides of March
In the Roman calendar, the Ides of March refers to the 15th day of
Idus Martiae
March. In modern times, the term is best known as the date on
which Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, the story of which
was famously retold in William Shakespeare's play Julius
Caesar.10 The term has come to be used as a metaphor for
impending doom.
Direct quote from the Vulgate, John 19:19. The inscription was
Iesus Nazarenus Rex Jesus of Nazareth,
King of the Jews
written in Latin, Greek and Aramaic at the top of the cross on
Iudaeorum (INRI)
which Jesus was crucified. (John 19:20)
igitur qui desiderat Therefore whoever Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus, Epitoma rei militaris (See also
desires peace, let him in this list Si vis pacem, para bellum)
pacem, praeparet
prepare for war
bellum
through fire, nature is An alchemical aphorism invented as an alternate meaning for the
igne natura
reborn whole
acronym INRI.
renovatur integra
with fire and iron
A phrase describing scorched earth tactics. Also rendered asigne
igni ferroque
atque ferro, ferro ignique, and other variations.
A phrase referring to the refining of character through difficult
ignis aurum probat fire tests gold
circumstances, it is also the motto of the Prometheus Society

Will o' the wisp.

A legal principle whereby ignorance of a law does not allow one
to escape liability.
The logical fallacy of irrelevant conclusion: making an argument
that, while possibly valid, doesn't prove or support the proposition
it claims to. An ignoratio elenchi that is an intentional attempt to
mislead or confuse the opposing party is known as a red
herring.Elenchi is from the Greek elenchos.
ignotum per ignotius unknown by means An explanation that is less clear than the thing to be explained.
of the more unknown Synonymous with obscurum per obscurius.
unknown
ignotus (ign.)
image of God
From the religious concept that man was created in "God's
imago Dei
image".
imitation of a god
A principle, held by several religions, that believers should strive
imitatio dei
to resemble their god(s).
1. A group of people who owe utmost fealty to their leader(s),
imperium in imperio an order within an
order
subordinating the interests of the larger group to the authority of
the internal group's leader(s).
2. A "fifth column" organization operating against the
organization within which they seemingly reside.
imperium sine fine an empire without an In Virgil's Aeneid, Jupiter ordered Aeneas to found a city (Rome)
end
from which would come an everlasting, neverending empire, the
endless (sine fine) empire.
let it be printed
An authorization to publish, granted by some censoring authority
imprimatur
(originally a Catholic Bishop).
in the absence
Used in a number of situations, such as in a trial carried out in the
in absentia
absence of the accused.
in act
"In the very act/In reality".
in actu
at the point of death
in articulo mortis
in the chamber
Figuratively, "in secret". See also camera obscura.
in camera
in the event
"In this case".
in casu
the poison is in the Using the metaphor of a scorpion, this can be said of an account
in cauda venenum
tail
that proceeds gently, but turns vicious towards the end or more
generally waits till the end to reveal an intention or statement that
is undesirable in the listener's eyes.
of uncertain position A term used to classify a taxonomic group when its broader
incertae sedis
(seat)
relationships are unknown or undefined.
incredible to say
A variant on mirabile dictu.
incredibile dictu
in God we hope
Motto of Brown University.
in Deo speramus
Index of Prohibited A list of books considered heretical by the Roman Catholic
Index Librorum
(or, Forbidden)
Church.
Prohibitorum
Books
indivisible and
Motto of Austria-Hungary prior to its separation into independent
indivisibiliter ac
inseparable
states in 1918.
inseparabiliter
in doubt, on behalf of Expresses the judicial principle that in case of doubt the decision
in dubio pro reo
the [alleged] culprit must be in favor of the accused (in that anyone is innocent until
there is proof to the contrary).
in double
"In duplicate".
in duplo
in the likeness
"In (the form of) an image", "in effigy" as opposed to "in the
in effigie
ignis fatuus
ignorantia juris non
excusat
ignoratio elenchi

foolish fire
ignorance of the law
does not excuse
ignorance of the
issue

in esse
in extenso
in extremis
in fidem
in fieri
in fine (i.f.)

in existence
in the extended
in the furthest
reaches
into faith
in becoming
in the end

flesh" or "in person".

In actual existence; as opposed to in posse.
"In full", "at full length", "completely", "unabridged".
In extremity; in dire straits. Also "at the point of death" (cf. in
articulo mortis).
To the verification of faith.
Thus, "pending".
At the end.
The footnote says "p. 157 in fine": "the end
of page 157".

Infinitus est numerus

stultorum.
Infirma mundi elegit
Deus
in flagrante delicto

Infinite is the number

of fools.
God chooses the
The motto of Venerable Vital-Justin Grandin, the bishop of theSt.
weak of the world
Albert Diocese, which in now the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Edmonton
in a blazing wrong, Equivalent to the English idiom "caught red-handed": caught in
while the crime is
the act of committing a crime. Sometimes carried the connotation
blazing
of being caught in a "compromising position".
in blossom
Blooming.
in forum
Legal term for "in court".
beneath one's dignity

in flore
in foro
infra dignitatem
(infra dig)
in girum imus nocte We enter the circle at
et consumimur igni night and are
consumed by fire
by this sign you will
in hoc signo vinces
conquer
for this purpose
in hunc effectum
in that time
in illo tempore

A palindrome said to describe the behavior of moths. Also the title

of a film by Guy Debord.
Words Constantine claimed to have seen in a vision before
theBattle of Milvian Bridge. Motto of Sigma Chi fraternity.
Describes a meeting called for a particular stated purpose only.
"at that time", found often in Gospel lectures during Masses, used
to mark an undetermined time in the past.

in inceptum finis est [roughly]the way you

begin is how you will
end
at the outset
Preliminary, in law referring to a motion that is made to the judge
in limine
before or during trial, often about the admissibility of evidence
believed prejudicial
in the place
That is, "at the place".
in loco
The nearby labs were closed for the weekend,
so the water samples were analyzed in loco.
A legal term meaning "assuming parental (i.e., custodial)
responsibility and authority". Primary and secondary teachers are
typically bound by law to act in loco parentis.
Motto of Valparaiso University.

in loco parentis

in the place of a
parent

in luce Tua videmus

lucem
in lumine tuo
videbimus lumen
in manus tuas

in Thy light we see

light
in your light we will Motto of Columbia University and Ohio Wesleyan University.
see the light
into your hands I
According to Luke 23:46, the last words of Jesus on the cross.

commendo spiritum entrust my spirit

meum
into the middle of
in medias res
things

in memoriam
in necessariis unitas,
in dubiis libertas, in
omnibus caritas
in nuce
In omnia paratus
in omnibus requiem
quaesivi, et nusquam
inveni nisi in angulo
cum libro
in partibus
infidelium

in pectore
in personam

in posse
in propria persona
In re

In rem

From Horace. Refers to the literary technique of beginning a

narrative in the middle of, or at a late point in, the story, after
much action has already taken place. Examples include the Iliad,
the Odyssey, the Lusadas and Paradise Lost. Compare ab initio.
into the memory
Equivalent to "in the memory of". Refers to remembering or
honoring a deceased person.
in necessary things "Charity" (caritas) is being used in the classical sense of
unity, in doubtful
"compassion" (cf. agape). Motto of the Cartellverband der
things liberty, in all katholischen deutschen Studentenverbindungen. Often
things charity
misattributed to Augustine of Hippo.
in a nut
I.e. "in potentiality." Comparable to "potential", "to be
developed".
Ready for anything. Motto of the so-called secret society of Yale in the television
show Gilmore Girls.
Everywhere I have Quote by Thomas a Kempis
searched for peace
and nowhere found
it, except in a corner
with a book
in the parts of the
That is, "in the land of the infidels", infidels here referring to noninfidels
Christians. After Islam conquered a large part of the Roman
Empire, the corresponding bishoprics didn't disappear, but
remained as titular sees.
in the heart
A Cardinal named in secret by the pope. See also ab imo pectore.
into a person
"Directed towards a particular person". In a lawsuit in which the
case is against a specific individual, that person must be served
with a summons and complaint to give the court jurisdiction to try
the case. The court's judgment applies to that person and is called
an "in personam judgment." In personam is distinguished from in
rem, which applies to property or "all the world" instead of a
specific person. This technical distinction is important to
determine where to file a lawsuit and how to serve a defendant.In
personam means that a judgment can be enforceable against the
person, wherever he or she is. On the other hand, if the lawsuit is
to determine title to property (in rem), then the action must be
filed where the property exists and is only enforceable there.
in potential
In the state of being possible; as opposed to in esse.
in one's own person "Personally", "in person".
in the matter [of]
A legal term used to indicate that a judicial proceeding may not
have formally designated adverse parties or is otherwise
uncontested. The term is commonly used in case citations
ofprobate proceedings, for example, In re Smith's Estate; it is also
used in juvenile courts, as, for instance, In re Gault.
to the thing
A legal term used to indicate a court's jurisdiction over a "thing"
rather than a "legal person". As opposed to "ad personam
jurisdiction". Example: in tenant landlord disputes, the summons
and complaint may be nailed to the door of a rented property. This
is because the litigant seeks jurisdiction over "the premises" rather
than "the occupant".

in rerum natura
in retentis
in saeculo

in the nature of
things
among things held
back
in the times

in salvo
in silico
(Dog Latin)

in safety
in silicon

in situ

in the place

In somnis veritas

In dreams there is
truth
in hope

See also Lucretius' De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things).

Used to describe documents kept separately from the regular
records of a court for special reasons.
"In the secular world", that is, outside a monastery, or before
death.
Coined in the early 1990s for scientific papers. Refers to an
experiment or process performed virtually, as a computer
simulation. The term is Dog Latin modeled after terms such as in
vitro and in vivo. The Latin word for silicon is silicium, so the
correct Latinization of "in silicon" would be in silicio, but this
form has little usage.
In the original place, appropriate position, or natural arrangement.
In medical contexts, it implies that the condition is still in the
same place and has not worsened, improved, spread, etc. In
situ examinations of materials are performed under real
conditions, e.g. a neutron diffraction study of a metal under
thermo-mechanical conditions rather than post-mortem. In
chemical contexts, in situ indicates that a reagent had been made
in flask immediately prior to its use in the reaction.

"future" (My mother-in-law in spe", i.e. "My future mother-inlaw), or "in embryonic form", as in "Locke's theory of
government resembles, in spe, Montesquieu's theory of the
separation of powers."
To seek the general That is, to understand the most general rules through the most
In specialibus
detailed analysis.
generalia quaerimus in the specifics
instante mense (inst.) in the present month Formerly used in formal correspondence to refer to the current
month. Sometimes abbreviated as instant. Used with ult. (last
month) and prox. (next month).
In spe

in statu nascendi
intaminatis fulget
honoribus
integer vitae
scelerisque purus
inter alia (i.a.)

inter alios
inter arma enim
silent leges

in the state of being

born
Untarnished, she
shines with honor
unimpaired by life
and clean of
wickedness
among other things

"Thank you for your letter of the 17th

inst."
Just as something is about to begin.
From Horaces Odes (III.2.18). Motto of Wofford College.
From Horace. Used as a funeral hymn.

A term used in formal extract minutes to indicate that the minute

quoted has been taken from a fuller record of other matters, or
when alluding to the parent group after quoting a particular
example.
among others
Often used to compress lists of parties to legal documents.
In the face of arms, Said by Cicero in Pro Milone as a protest against unchecked
the law falls mute,
political mobs that had virtually seized control of Rome in the '60s
more popularly
and '50s BC. Famously quoted in the essay "Resistance to Civil
rendered as In a time Government" by Henry David Thoreau as "The clatter of arms

of war, the law falls drowns out the voice of the law."
silent.
among others
Title of a papal bull.
inter caetera
inter spem et metum between hope and
fear
between the living
Said of property transfers between living persons, as opposed to
inter vivos
inheritance; often relevant to tax laws.
in
all
"Totally", "entirely", "completely".
in toto
within the walls
Thus, "not public". Source of the word intramural. See
intra muros
alsointramuros.
within the powers
That is, "within the authority".
intra vires
in triple
"In triplicate".
in triplo
in the womb
in utero
in utrumque paratus Prepared for either Motto of the McKenzie clan.
(event)
in a void
"In a vacuum". In isolation from other things.
in vacuo
Literally, In variety, The motto of the European Union and the Council of Europe
In varietate
concord (Loosely, In
concordia
diversity, harmony
[or, friendship])
in wine [there is]
That is, wine loosens the tongue.
in vino veritas
truth
(Referring to alcohol's disinhibitory effects.)
in glass
An experimental or process methodology performed in a "nonin vitro
natural" setting (e.g., in a laboratory using a glass test tube or Petri
dish), and thus outside of a living organism or cell. The reference
to glass is merely an historic one, as the current usage of this term
is not specific to the materials involved, but rather to the "nonnatural" setting employed. Alternative experimental or process
methodologies would include in vitro, in silico, ex vivoand in vivo.
In vitro fertilization is not literally done
"in glass", but rather is a technique to
fertilize egg cells outside of a woman's
body. By definition, it is thus an ex
vivo process.
in life" or "in a living An experiment or process performed on a living specimen.
in vivo
thing
in a living thing
An expression used by biologists to express the fact that
in vivo veritas
[there is] truth
laboratory findings that do not include testing on an organism (in
vitro) are not always reflected when applied to an organism (in
vivo). A pun on in vino veritas.
I remain unvaquished Motto of the Armstrong Clan.
invictus maneo
Motto of the Seal of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Iohannes est nomen John is its name /
Juan es su Nombre
eius
ipsa scientia potestas knowledge itself is Famous phrase written by Sir Francis Bacon in 1597.
power
est
he himself said it
Commonly said in Medieval debates referring to Aristotle, who
ipse dixit
was considered the supreme authority on matters of philosophy.
Used in general to emphasize that some assertion comes from

ipsissima verba

ipsissima voce
ipso facto
Ira Deorum

ira furor brevis est

ita vero

Ite, missa est

Iter Legis
iugulare mortuos

iura novit curia

iuris ignorantia est

cum ius nostrum
ignoramus
ius accrescendi

ius ad bellum

ius cogens

some authority, i.e., as an appeal to authority, and the

termipsedixitism has come to mean any unsupported rhetorical
assertion that lacks a logical argument. Originally coined
byCicero in his De Natura Deorum (I, 10) to describe the behavior
of the students of Pythagoras.
the very words
"Strictly word for word" (cf. verbatim). Often used in Biblical
themselves
Studies to describe the record of Jesus' teaching found in the New
Testament (specifically, the four Gospels).
the very 'voice' itself To approximate the main thrust or message without using the
exact words.
by the fact itself
Or "by that very fact".
Wrath of the Gods
Like the vast majority of inhabitants of the ancient world,
theancient Romans practiced pagan rituals, believing it important
to achieve a state of Pax Deorum (Peace of the Gods) instead
ofIra Deorum (Wrath of the Gods): earthquakes, floods, famine,
etc.
Wrath (anger) is but
a brief madness
thus indeed
A useful phrase, as the Romans had no word for "yes", preferring
to respond to questions with the affirmative or negative of the
question (i.e., "Are you hungry?" was answered by "I am hungry"
or "I am not hungry", not "Yes" or "No).
Go, it is sent" (or,
The deacon's statement to the congregation as part of the
more loosely: "You concluding ceremonies of the ritual of the Roman Catholic Mass.
have been dismissed Scholars are not all agreed about what it intends.
The path of the law The path a law takes from its conception to its implementation.
to cut the throat of
From Gerhard Gerhards' (1466-1536) [better known as Erasmus]
corpses
collection of annotated Adagia (1508). It can mean attacking the
work or personality of deceased person. Alternatively, it can be
used to describe criticism of an individual already heavily
criticised by others.
the court knows the A legal principle in civil law countries of the Roman-German
laws
tradition (e.g., in Spain,Germany, Italy and Brazil) that says that
lawyers need not to argue the law, as that is the office of the court.
Sometimes miswritten as iura novat curia (the court renews the
laws).
it is ignorance of the
law when we do not
know our own rights
right of accrual
Commonly referred to as "right of survivorship": a rule in
property law that surviving joint tenants have rights in equal
shares to a decedent's property.
law towards war
Refers to the laws that regulate the reasons for going to war.
Typically, this would address issues of self-defense or preemptive
strikes.
compelling law
Refers to a fundamental principle of international law considered
to have acceptance among the international community of states
as a whole. Typically, this would address issues not listed or
defined by any authoritative body, but arise out of case law and
changing social and political attitudes. Generally included are
prohibitions on waging aggressive war, crimes against humanity,

war crimes, piracy, genocide, slavery, and torture.

law in war
Refers to the "laws" that regulate the conduct of combatants
ius in bello
during a conflict. Typically, this would address issues of who or
what is a valid target, how to treat prisoners, and what sorts of
weapons can be used. The word jus is also commonly spelledius.
law of the first night The droit de seigneur.
ius primae noctis
justice for all
Motto of the District of Columbia.
iustitia omnibus
I
bear
the
fortunes
of
Motto of Dollar Academy.
iuventitus veho
youth
fortunas
iuventuti nil arduum to the young nothing Motto of Canberra Girls' Grammar School.
is difficult
L

Latin
Translation
Labor omnia vincit Hard work conquers
all

Notes
State motto of Oklahoma and many other institutions. Derived
from a phrase in Virgil's Eclogue X (10.59: omnia vincit Amor
"Love conquers all").
Laborare pugnare To work, (or) to fight; Motto of the California Maritime Academy
we are ready
parati sumus
By labour and honour Motto of several schools
Labore et honore
Let us work for the
Motto of the Carlsberg breweries
Laboremus pro
fatherland
patria
Laboris gloria Ludi Work hard, Play hard Motto of the Camborne School of Mines, Cornwall, UK
slip of the tongue
A "proglossis", "tip of the tongue" or "apex of the tongue". Often
lapsus linguae
used to mean "linguistic error" or "language mistake". It and its
written-word variant, lapsus calami (slip of the pen) can
sometimes refers to a typographical error as well.

lapsus memoriae
Laudator Temporis
Acti
Laudetur Jesus
Christus
laus Deo

slip of memory
praiser of time past

lectori salutem
lege artis

greetings reader
according to the law
of the art

legem terrae
leges humanae
nascuntur, vivunt,
et moriuntur
leges sine moribus
vanae
legitime

the law of the land

laws of man are born,
live and die

Praise (Be) Jesus

Christ
praise be to God

laws without morals

[are] vain
lawfully

Ex.: "I'm sorry for mispronouncing your name. It wasn't

intentional; it was a lapsus linguae".
Source of the term memory lapse.
One who is discontent with the present but instead prefers things
of the past. See "the Good old days".
Often used as a salutation, but also used after prayers or the
reading of the gospel.
This is written on the East side at the peak of the Washington
Monument in Washington, D.C.
Often abbreviated to L.S., used as opening words for a letter.
Describes something genuine, true, real, tested, proven, not
assumed, not placebo. Used especially in a medical context. The
'art' referred to in the phrase is medicine.

From Horace's Odes: the official motto of the University of

Pennsylvania.
A legal term describing a "forced share", the portion of a deceased
person's estate from which the immediate family cannot
be disinherited. From the French hritier legitime (rightful heir).

lex artis
lex orandi, lex
credendi
lex dei vitae lampas
lex ferenda

law of the skill

the law of prayer is
the law of faith
the law of God is the
lamp of life
the law that should be
borne
the law here
proclaims

The rules that regulate a professional duty.

Motto of the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne

The law as it ought to be.

The rule whereby a spouse cannot by deed inter vivos or bequeath

by testament to his or her second spouse more than the amount of
the smallest portion given or bequeathed to any child.
law in the event
A law that only concerns one particular case.
lex in casu
the law that has been The law as it is.
lex lata
borne
law of the place
lex loci
law that has not been Unwritten law, or common law.
lex non scripta
written
law of succinctness also known as Ockhams Razor.
lex parsimoniae
the law [is] king
A principle of government advocating a rule by law rather than by
lex rex
men. The phrase originated as a double entendre in the title
ofSamuel Rutherford's controversial book Lex, Rex (1644), which
espoused a theory of limited government and constitutionalism.
written law
Statute law. Contrasted with lex non scripta.
lex scripta
the law of retaliation Retributive justice (cf. an eye for an eye).
lex talionis
time is the law
Name of musical composition by popular Maltese electronic
lex tempus
music artist Ray Buttigieg
libera te tutemet (ex Free yourself (from Used in the movie Event Horizon (1997), where it is translated as
hell)
"save yourself (from hell)". It is initially misheard as liberate
inferis)
me (free me), but is later corrected. Libera te is often mistakenly
merged into liberate, which would necessitate a plural pronoun
instead of the singular tutemet (which is an emphatic form of tu,
you).
Liberty Justice Truth Motto of the Korea University.
Libertas Justitia
Veritas
Thus, "liberty even when it comes late". Motto of Minas
Libertas Quae Sera freedom which [is]
however late
Gerais,Brazil.
Tamen
scales
Literally "balance". Its abbreviation, lb, is used as a unit of weight,
libra (lb)
the pound.
in the place cited
More fully written in loco citato. See also opere citato.
loco citato (lc)
a classic place
The most typical or classic case of something; quotation which
locus classicus
most typifies its use.
place of
Used in philology to indicate that subsequent mistakes in the
locus deperditus
(irremediable) loss
tradition of the text have made a passage so corrupted as to
discourage any attempt of correction. The passage is marked by
a crux desperationis (""). Somehow close in meaning to the
modern English expression lost in translation.
place
of
less
A medical term to describe a location on or in a body that offers
locus minoris
resistance
little resistance to infection, damage, or injury. For example, a
resistentiae
weakened place that tends to be reinjured.
sorrow itself, pain for A mangled fragment from Cicero's De Finibus Bonorum et
lorem ipsum
lex hac edictali

its own sake

Malorum (On the Limits of Good and Evil, 45 BC), used

astypographer's filler to show fonts (a.k.a. greeking). An
approximate literal translation of lorem ipsum might be "sorrow
itself", as the term is from dolorum ipsum quia, meaning "sorrow
because of itself", or less literally, "pain for its own sake".