a bene placito

from one who has been pleased well

Or "at will", "at one's pleasure". This phrase, and its Italian (beneplacito) and Spanish (beneplácito) 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". An argumentum a contrario is an "argument from the contrary", an argument or proof by contrast or direct opposite.

a Deucalione

since Deucalion

A long time ago. From Gaius Lucilius (Satires, 6, 284)

a fortiori

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 also ab ovo usque ad mala.

a posse ad esse

from being able to being

"From possibility to actuality" or "from 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.

ab abusu ad usum non valet consequentia

a consequence from an abuse to a use is not valid

Inferences regarding something's use from its misuse are invalid. Rights abused are still rights (cf. abusus non tollit usum).

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

A legal term meaning "from without". From external sources, rather than from the self or the mind (ab intra).

ab hinc

from here on

Often rendered abhinc (which in Latin means simply "since" or "ago").

ab imo pectore

from the bottom of my heart

More literally, "from the deepest chest". Attributed to Julius Caesar. Can mean "with deepest affection" or "sincerely".

ab inconvenienti

from an inconvenient thing

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.

ab incunabulis

from the cradle

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

from the beginning

"At the outset", referring to an inquiry or investigation. In literature, refers to a story told from the beginning rather than in 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".

ab intestato

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 irato is 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 commencement—i.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 erit

an absent person will not be an heir

In law, refers to the principle that someone who is not present is unlikely to inherit.

absente reo (abs. re.)

with the defendant being 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 ill-boding 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 Confession prior to Vatican II.

abundans cautela non nocet

abundant caution does no harm

Thus, one can never be too careful; even excessive precautions don't hurt anyone.

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 invocat

deep calleth unto deep

From Psalms 42:7; some translations have 'Sea calls to sea'.

accusare nemo se debet nisi coram Deo

no one ought to accuse himself except in the 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 performed; applaud!

A common ending to ancient Roman comedies, also claimed by Suetonius in Lives of the Twelve Caesars to have been Caesar 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

actions, not words

Motto of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Acta Sanctorum

Deeds of the Saints

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

actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea

The act is not guilty unless the mind is also 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 also reductio ad absurdum. Not to be confused with ab absurdo (from the absurd).

adaequatio intellectûs nostri cum re

conformity of our minds to the fact

A phrase used in Epistemology regarding the nature 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 through difficulty

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

ad astra per alia porci

to the stars on the wings of a pig

A favorite saying of John Steinbeck. A professor told him that he would be an author when pigs flew. Every book he wrote is printed with this insignia.

ad captandum vulgus

in order to court 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

Said during a generic toast, equivalent to "bottoms up!" In other contexts, generally means "back to the basics".

ad hoc

to this

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 in argumentum 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 "chargé d'affaires ad interim" for a diplomatic officer who acts in place of an ambassador.

ad Kalendas Graecas

to the Greek Kalends

Attributed by Suetonius in Lives of the Twelve Caesars to Caesar Augustus. The phrase means "never" and is similar to phrases like "when pigs fly". The Kalends (also written Calends) were specific days of the Roman calendar, not of the Greek, and so the "Greek Kalends" would never occur.

ad libitum (ad lib)

toward pleasure

Loosely, "according to what pleases" or "as you wish"; libitum comes 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 gloriam (AMDG)

To the greater glory of God

Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Edward Elgar dedicated 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

Thus, "exactly as it is written". Similar to the English idiom "to the letter", meaning "to the last detail".

ad perpetuam memoriam

to the perpetual memory

Generally precedes "of" and a person's name, and is used to wish for someone to be remembered long after death.

ad pondus omnium (ad pond om)

to the weight of all things

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.

ad quod damnum

to what damage

Meaning "according to the harm" or "in proportion to the harm". The phrase is used in tort law as a measure of damages inflicted, 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.

ad terminum qui praeteriit

for the term which has passed

A legal term for a writ of entry ad terminum qui praeteriit [for the term which has passed].1

ad undas

to the waves

Equivalent to "to hell".

ad usum Delphini

for the use of the Dauphin

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).

ad usum proprium (ad us. propr.)

for one's own use

ad utrumque paratus

prepared for either alternative

Also the motto of Lund University, with the implied alternatives being the book (study) and the sword (defending the country in war).

ad valorem

to the value

According to an object's value. Used in commerce to refer to ad 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

to eternal life

Also "to life everlasting". A common Biblical phrase.

ad vitam aut culpam

for life or until fault

Usually used of a term of office.

addendum

thing to be added

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

adequatio intellectus et rei

correspondence of the mind and reality

One of the definitions of the truth. When the mind has the same form as reality, we think truth. Also found as adequatio rei et intellectus.

adsum

I am here

Equivalent to "Present!" or "Here!" The opposite of absum (I am absent).

adversus solem ne loquitor

Don't speak against the sun

I.e., don't argue the obvious

aegri somnia

a sick man's dreams

From Horace, Ars Poetica, 7. Loosely, "troubled dreams".

aequitas

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 46 because 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 Baptist exclaims "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 cherished where liberty has arisen.

The motto of Davidson College.

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.

alis aquilae

on an eagle's wings

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 grave nil

nothing is heavy to those who have wings

motto of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro — PUC-RIO).

alis volat propris

she flies with her own wings

State motto of Oregon. Can also be rendered alis volat propriis.

aliquantus

Rather big

aliquantulus

Not that big

aliquid stat pro aliquo

something that stands for something else

A foundational definition for semiotics

alma mater

nourishing mother

Term used for the university one attends or has attended. Another university term, matriculation, is also derived from mater. 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 of Paracelsus. Usually attributed to Cicero.

alterum non laedere

to not wound another

One of Justinian I's three basic legal precepts.

alumna or
alumnus

pupil

Sometimes rendered with the gender-neutral alumn or alum in English. A graduate or former student of a school, college or university. Alumna (pl. alumnae) is a female pupil, and alumnus (pl. alumni) is a male pupil—alumni is generally used for a group of both males and females. The word derives from alere, "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 the land

An obsolete legal term signifying the forfeiture of the right of swearing in any court or cause, or to become infamous.

amor est vitae essentia

love is the essence of life

As said by Robert B. Mackay, Australian Analyst.

amor et melle et felle est fecundissmismus

love is rich with both honey and 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.

amor patriae

love of one's country

Patriotism.

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.

anglice

in English

Used before the anglicized version of a word or name. For example "Terra Mariae, anglice, Maryland".

anno (an.)

in the year

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 Lord

Short for Anno Domini Nostri Iesus Christi (in the 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 reign

Precedes "of" and the current ruler.

Annuit Cœptis

He Has Approved the Undertakings

Motto on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United 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

Used particularly to refer to the years 1665–1666, during which Isaac 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)

annus terribilis

dreadful year

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.)

before midday

The period from midnight to noon (cf. post meridiem).

ante mortem

before death

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

refers to a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid.

aqua vitae

water of life

"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, and akvavit 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' (1466–1536) [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

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.

argumentum

argument

Or "reasoning", "inference", "appeal", "proof". The plural is argumenta. Commonly used in the names of logical arguments and 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).

ars [est] celare artem

art [is] to conceal art

An aesthetic ideal that good art should appear 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 short

The Latin translation by Seneca (De Brevitate Vitae, 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' (1466–1536) [better known as Erasmus] collection of annotated Adagia (1508). An awkward or incompetent individual.

asinus asinum fricat

the jackass rubs the jackass

Used to describe two people lavishing excessive praise on one another.

assecuratus non quaerit lucrum sed agit ne in damno sit

the assured does not seek profit but just indemnity for the loss

Refers to the insurance principle that the indemnity cannot be larger than the loss.

audacter calumniare, semper aliquid haeret

slander boldly, something always sticks

from Francis Bacon, De Augmentis Scientiarum (1623)

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).

audemus jura nostra defendere

we dare to defend our rights

State motto of Alabama, adopted in 1923. Translated into Latin from a paraphrase of the 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 iuvat

fortune favors the bold

From Virgil, Aeneid X, 284 (where the first word is in the archaic form audentis). Allegedly the last 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

The motto of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, the professional Association Football (soccer) team based in London, England.

audi alteram partem

hear the other side

A legal principle of fairness. Also worded as audiatur et altera pars (let the other side be heard too).

audio hostem

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, or aurorea 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

either by meeting or by the sword

Thus, either through reasoned discussion or through war. A former motto of Chile, replaced by post tenebras lux.

aut pax aut bellum

either peace or war

The motto of the Gunn Clan.

aut viam inveniam aut faciam

Either I shall find a way, or I shall make one

Hannibal.

aut vincere aut mori

either to conquer or to die

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

ave Europa nostra vera Patria

Hail, Europe, our true Fatherland!

Anthem of Pan-Europeanist

Ave Maria

Hail, Mary

A Roman Catholic prayer to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

barba tenus sapientes

wise as far as the beard

From Gerhard Gerhards' (1466–1536) [better known as Erasmus] collection of annotated Adagia (1508). In appearance wise, but not necessarily so.

Beata Virgo Maria (BVM)

Blessed Virgin Mary

A common name in the Roman Catholic Church for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The genitive, Beatae Mariae Virginis (BMV), occurs often as well, appearing with such words as horae (hours), litaniae (litany) and officium (office).

beatae memoriae

of blessed memory

See in memoriam.

beati pauperes spiritu

Blessed in spirit [are] the poor.

Vulgate, Matthew 5:3. The full quote is "beati pauperes spiritu quoniam ipsorum est regnum caelorum" ("Blessed in spirit [are] the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens" - one of the Beatitudes).

beati possidentes

blessed [are] those who possess

Translated from Euripides.

beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam

blessed is the man who finds wisdom

from Proverbs 3:13; set to music in a 1577 motet of the same name by Orlando di Lasso.

bella gerant alii

let others wage war

Originally from the Habsburg marriages of 1477 and 1496, written as bella gerant alii tu felix Austria nube (let others wage war; you, fortunate Austria, marry). Said by King Matthias

bellum omnium contra omnes

war of all against all

A phrase used by Thomas Hobbes to describe the state of nature.

bibo ergo sum

I drink, therefore I am

bis dat qui cito dat

he gives twice, who gives promptly

Thus a gift that is given quickly without hesitation is worth twice as much.

bis in die (bid)

twice in a day

Medical shorthand for "twice a day".

bona fide

in good faith

In other words, "well-intentioned", "fairly". In modern contexts, often has 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.

bona notabilia

—

In law, if a person dying has goods, or good debts, in another diocese or jurisdiction within that province, besides his goods in the diocese where he dies, amounting to a 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.

bona officia

good services

A nation's offer to mediate in disputes between two other nations.

bona patria

—

A jury or assize of countrymen, or good neighbors.

bona vacantia

vacant goods

United Kingdom legal term for ownerless property that passes to The Crown.

boni pastoris est tondere pecus non deglubere

It is of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to flay them.

Tiberius reportedly said this to his regional commanders, as a warning against taxing the populace excessively.

bonum commune communitatis

common good of the community

Or "general welfare". Refers to what benefits a society, as opposed to bonum commune hominis, which refers to what is good for an individual.

bonum commune hominis

common good of a man

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.

busillis

—

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 plenæ (in those days there were plenty of great things), which the scribe misread as indie busillis magnis plenæ (in India there were plenty of large busillis).

C

Da mihi factum, dabo tibi ius

Give me the fact(s), I'll give you the law

also: Da mihi facta, dabo tibi ius; legal principle based on Roman 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).

damnatio memoriae

damnation of memory

A Roman custom in which disgraced Romans (particularly former Emperors) were pretended to have never existed.

damnum absque injuria

damage without injury

A loss that results from no one's wrongdoing. In Roman law, a man is not responsible for unintended, consequential injury to another resulting from a lawful act. This protection does not necessarily apply to unintended damage by negligence or folly.

data venia

with due respect" or "given the excuse

Used before disagreeing with someone.

dat deus incrementum

God grants the increase

Motto of Westminster School, a leading British independent school.

de bonis asportatis

carrying goods away

Trespass de bonis asportatis was the traditional name for larceny, or wrongful taking of chattels.

Decus Et Tutamen

An ornament and a safeguard

Inscription on one pound coins. Originally on 17th century coins, it refers to the inscribed edge as a protection against the clipping of precious metal. The phrase originally comes from Virgil's Aeneid.

descensus in cuniculi cavum

The descent into the cave of the rabbit

Down the Rabbit Hole (see: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland#Famous lines and expressions.

de dato

of the date

Used in the context of "As we agreed in the meeting d.d.26th Mai 2006.

de facto

in fact

Said of something that is the actual state of 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.

Although the emperor held the title and trappings of head of state, the Shogun was the de facto ruler of Japan.

de fideli

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.

de futuro

regarding the future

Usually used in the context of "at a future time"

de gustibus non est disputandum

there is not to be discussion regarding tastes

Less literally "In matters of taste there is no dispute" or simply "There's no arguing taste". 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

again, a second time

de jure

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.

de lege ferenda

from law to be passed

de lege lata

from law passed" or "by law in force

de minimis non curat lex

The law does not bother with the smallest things.

The court does not want to bother with small, trivial things. A case must have importance for the court to hear it. See "de minimis not curat praetor".

de minimis non curat praetor

The commander does not bother with the smallest things.

Also "The chief magistrate does not concern himself with trifles." Trivial matters are no 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 of praetor, and de minimis is a legal term referring to things unworthy of the law's attention.

de mortuis aut bene aut nihil

about the dead, either well or nothing

Less literally, "speak well of the dead or not at all" (cf. de mortuis nil nisi bonum).

de mortuis nil nisi bonum

about the dead, nothing unless a good thing

From de mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum est, "nothing must be said about the dead except 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.

de nobis fabula narratur

about us is the story told

Thus, "their story is our story". Originally referred to the end of Rome's dominance. Now often used when comparing any current situation to a past story or historical event.

de novo

from the new

"Anew" or "afresh". In law, a trial de novo is a retrial. In biology, de novo means newly-synthesized, and a de novo mutation 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.

de omnibus dubitandum

be suspicious of everything, doubt everything

Karl Marx's favorite motto. He used this to explain his standpoint: "Critique everything in a capitalist economy".

de omni re scibili et quibusdam aliis

about every knowable thing, and even certain other things

A 15th-century Italian scholar wrote the De omni re scibili portion, and a wag added et quibusdam aliis.

De Oppresso Liber

Free From Having Been Oppressed

Commonly mistranslated as "To Liberate the Oppressed". The motto of the United States Army Special Forces.

de profundis

from the depths

Out of the depths of misery or dejection. From the Latin translation of Psalm 130.

de re

about the matter

In logic, de dicto statements (about the truth of a proposition) are distinguished from de re statements (about the properties of a thing itself).

Dei Gratia Regina

By the Grace of God, Queen

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.

Dei sub numine viget

under God's Spirit she flourishes

Motto of Princeton University.

delectatio morosa

peevish delight

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 Romans!

A translation into Latin from René Goscinny's "ils sont fous, ces romains!", frequently issued by Obelix in the Asterix comics.

Deo ac veritati

God and Truth

Motto of Colgate University.

Deo domuique

for God and for home

Motto of Methodist Ladies' College, Melbourne.

Deo et Patriae

for God and Country

Motto of Regis High School.

Deo gratias

thanks [be] to God

The semi-Hispanicized form Deogracias is a Philippine first name.

Deo Optimo Maximo (DOM)

To the Best and Greatest God

Derived from the Pagan Iupiter Optimo Maximo (To the best and greatest Jupiter). Printed on bottles of Bénédictine liqueur.

Deo vindice

with God as protector

Motto of the Confederate States of America. An alternate translation is "With an avenging God".

Deo volente

with God willing

This was often used in conjunction with a 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.

deus caritas est

God is Love

The first encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI.

deus ex machina

a god from a machine

From the Greek ἀπὸ μηχανῆς θεός (Apò mēchanēs Theós). 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 in Euripides) the Dioscuri onto the stage to resolve an insuperable conflict in the plot.

Deus vult

God wills it!

The principal slogan of the Crusades.

deus otiosus

God at leisure

Dicto simpliciter

[From] a maxim, simply

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.

dictum meum pactum

my word [is] my bond

Motto of the London Stock Exchange

diem perdidi

I have lost the day

From the Roman Emperor Titus. Passed down in Suetonius's biography of him in Lives of the Twelve Caesars (8)

Diem Ex Dei

Day of God

Dies Irae

Day of Wrath

Refers to the Judgment Day in Christian eschatology. The name of a famous 13th-century Medieval Latin hymn by Tommaso da Celano, used in the Mass for the dead.

Dies non juridicum

Day without judiciary

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

dirigo

I direct

In Classical Latin, "I arrange". State motto of Maine. Based on a comparison of the state of Maine to the star Polaris.

dis aliter visum

it seemed otherwise to the gods

In other words, the gods have different plans than mortals, and so events do not always play out as people wish them to.

dis manibus sacrum (D.M.S.)

Sacred to the ghost-gods

Refers to the Manes, Roman spirits of the dead. Loosely "To the memory of". A conventional 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".

Disce aut Discede

Learn or Depart

Motto of Royal College, Colombo.

disce quasi semper victurus vive quasi cras moriturus

Learn as if always going to live; live as if tomorrow going to die.

Attributed to St Edmund of Abingdon.

discipuli nostri bardissimi sunt

Our students are the stupidest

disjecta membra

scattered limbs

That is, "scattered remains". Paraphrased from Horace, Satires, I, 4, 62, where it was written "disiecti membra poetae" (limbs of a scattered poet). Also written as disiecta membra.

ditat Deus

God enriches

State motto of Arizona, adopted in 1911. Probably derived from the Vulgate's translation of Genesis 14:23.

divide et impera

divide and rule

A Roman maxim adopted by Julius Caesar, Louis XI and Machiavelli. Commonly rendered "divide and conquer".

dixi

I have spoken

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".

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

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

Used to attribute a statement or opinion to its author, rather than the speaker.

do ut des

I give that you may give

Often said or written for sacrifices, when one "gives" and expects something back from the gods.

Docendo discitur

It is learned by teaching

Also translated "One learns by teaching." Attributed to Seneca the Younger.

Docendo disco, scribendo cogito

I learn by teaching, think by writing.

dolus specialis

special intent

"The ... concept is particular to a few civil law systems and cannot sweepingly be equated with 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

Domine dirige nos

Lord guide us

Motto of the City of London.

Dominus Illuminatio Mea

the Lord is my light

Motto of the University of Oxford.

Dominus vobiscum

Lord be with you

Phrase used during and at the end of Catholic sermons, and a general greeting form among and towards members of Catholic organizations, such as priests and nuns. See also pax vobiscum.

dona nobis pacem

give us peace

Often set to music, either by itself or as part of the Agnus Dei prayer of the Mass (see above). Also an ending in the video game Haunting Ground.

donatio mortis causa

giving in expectation of death

A legal concept where a person in imminent mortal danger need not meet the requisite consideration to create or modify a will.

draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

a sleeping dragon is never to be tickled

Motto of the fictional Hogwarts school in the Harry Potter series; 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.

Duae tabulae rasae in quibus nihil scriptum est

Two blank slates with nothing written upon them

Stan Laurel, inscription for the fanclub logo Sons of the Desert.

Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt

The fates lead the willing and drag the unwilling

Attributed to Lucius Annaeus Seneca.

Ductus exemplo

Leadership by Example

This is the motto for the United States Marine Corps' Officer Candidates School located at Marine Corps Base Quantico; Quantico, Virginia.

dulce bellum inexpertis

war is sweet to the inexperienced

War may seem pleasant to those who have never been involved in it, though the more experienced know better. A phrase from Erasmus in the 16th century.

dulce et decorum est pro patria mori

It is sweet and honorable to die for the fatherland.

From Horace, Odes III, 2, 13. Used by Wilfred Owen for the title of a poem about World War I, Dulce et Decorum Est.