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in lumine tuo videbimus lumen
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in your light we will see the light ---- Motto of Columbia University and Ohio Wesleyan University.
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in lumine tuo videbimus lumen
in your light we will see the light ---- Motto of Columbia University and Ohio Wesleyan University.
in manus tuas commendo spiritum meum
into your hands I entrust my spirit ---- According to Luke 23:46, the last words of Jesus on the cross.
in medias res
into the middle of things ---- 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 Lusíadas and Paradise Lost. Compare ab initio.
in memoriam
into the memory ---- Equivalent to "in the memory of". Refers to remembering or honoring a deceased person.
in necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas
in necessary things unity, in doubtful things liberty, in all things charity ---- "Charity" (caritas) is being used in the classical sense of "compassion" (cf. agape). Motto of the Cartellverband der katholischen deutschen Studentenverbindungen. Often misattributed to Augustine of Hippo.
in nomine domini
in the name of the Lord ---- Motto of Trinity College, Perth, Australia; the name of a 1050 papal bull.
in nuce
in a nut ---- I.e., "in potentiality." Comparable to "potential", "to be developed".
In omnia paratus
Ready for anything. ---- Motto of a fictional Yale University secret society in the television show Gilmore Girls.
in omnibus requiem quaesivi, et nusquam inveni nisi in angulo cum libro
Everywhere I have searched for peace and nowhere found it, except in a corner with a book ---- Quote by Thomas à Kempis
in partibus infidelium
in the parts of the infidels ---- That is, "in the land of the infidels", infidels here referring to non-Christians. After Islam conquered a large part of the Roman Empire, the corresponding bishoprics didn't disappear, but remained as titular sees.
in pectore
in the heart ---- A Cardinal named in secret by the pope. See also ab imo pectore.
in personam
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 posse
in potential ---- In the state of being possible; as opposed to in esse.
in propria persona
in one's own person ---- "Personally", "in person".
In re
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 of probate proceedings, for example, In re Smith's Estate; it is also used in juvenile courts, as, for instance, In re Gault.
In rem
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 the nature of things ---- See also Lucretius' De rerum natura (On the Nature of Things).
in retentis
among things held back ---- Used to describe documents kept separately from the regular records of a court for special reasons.
in saeculo
in the times ---- "In the secular world", that is, outside a monastery, or before death.
in salvo
in safety ----
in silico
(Dog Latin) in silicon. 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 situ
in the place ---- In the original place, appropriate position, or natural arrangement.
In somnis veritas
In dreams there is truth ----
in spe
in hope ---- "future" (My mother-in-law in spe", i.e., "My future mother-in-law), or "in embryonic form", as in "Locke's theory of government resembles, in spe, Montesquieu's theory of the separation of powers."
In specialibus generalia quaerimus
To seek the general in the specifics ---- That is, to understand the most general rules through the most detailed analysis.
instante mense (inst.)
in the present month ---- Formerly used in formal correspondence to refer to the current month, sometimes abbreviated as instant; e.g.: "Thank you for your letter of the 17th inst." — ult. mense = last month, prox. mense = next month.
in statu nascendi
in the state of being born ---- Just as something is about to begin.
intaminatis fulget honoribus
Untarnished, she shines with honor ---- From Horace's Odes (III.2.18). Motto of Wofford College.
integer vitae scelerisque purus
unimpaired by life and clean of wickedness ---- From Horace. Used as a funeral hymn.
inter alia (i.a.)
among other things ---- 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.
inter alios
among others ---- Often used to compress lists of parties to legal documents.
inter arma enim silent leges
In the face of arms, the law falls mute, more popularly rendered as In a time of war, the law falls silent. ---- Said by Cicero in Pro Milone as a protest against unchecked political mobs that had virtually seized control of Rome in the '60s and '50s BC. Famously quoted in the essay Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau as "The clatter of arms drowns out the voice of the law."
inter caetera
among others ---- Title of a papal bull
inter spem et metum
between hope and fear ----
inter vivos
between the living ---- Said of property transfers between living persons, as opposed to inheritance; often relevant to tax laws.
in toto
in all ---- "Totally", "entirely", "completely".
intra muros
within the walls ---- Thus, "not public". Source of the word intramural. See also Intramuros, Manila.
intra vires
within the powers ---- That is, "within the authority".
in triplo
in triple ---- "In triplicate".
in utero
in the womb ----
in utrumque paratus
Prepared for either (event) ---- Motto of the McKenzie clan.
in vacuo
in a void ---- "In a vacuum". In isolation from other things.
In varietate concordia
united in diversity ---- The motto of the European Union and the Council of Europe
in vino veritas
in wine [there is] truth ---- That is, wine loosens the tongue. (Referring to alcohol's disinhibitory effects.)
in vitro
in glass ---- An experimental or process methodology performed in a "non-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 "non-natural" setting employed. Alternative experimental or process methodologies include in vitro, in silico, ex vivo and in vivo.
in vivo
in life" or "in a living thing ---- An experiment or process performed on a living specimen.
in vivo veritas
in a living thing [there is] truth ---- An expression used by biologists to express the fact that 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.
invictus maneo
I remain unvanquished ---- Motto of the Armstrong Clan.
Iohannes est nomen eius
John is his name / Juan es su Nombre ---- Motto of the Seal of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
ipsa scientia potestas est
knowledge itself is power ---- Famous phrase written by Sir Francis Bacon in 1597.
ipse dixit
he himself said it ---- Commonly said in Medieval debates referring to Aristotle, who was considered the supreme authority on matters of philosophy. Used in general to emphasize that some assertion comes from some authority, i.e., as an argument from authority, and the term ipse-dixitism has come to mean any unsupported rhetorical assertion that lacks a logical argument. Originally coined by Cicero in his De Natura Deorum (I, 10) to describe the behavior of the students of Pythagoras.
ipsissima verba
the very words themselves ---- "Strictly word for word" (cf. verbatim). Often used in Biblical Studies to describe the record of Jesus' teaching found in the New Testament (specifically, the four Gospels).
ipsissima voce
the very 'voice' itself ---- To approximate the main thrust or message without using the exact words.
ipso facto
by the fact itself ---- Or "by that very fact".
Ira Deorum
Wrath of the Gods ---- Like the vast majority of inhabitants of the ancient world, the ancient Romans practiced pagan rituals, believing it important to achieve a state of Pax Deorum (Peace of the Gods) instead of Ira Deorum (Wrath of the Gods): earthquakes, floods, famine, etc.
ira furor brevis est
Wrath (anger) is but a brief madness ----
ita vero
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 (e.g., "Are you hungry?" was answered by "I am hungry" or "I am not hungry", not "Yes" or "No).
ite missa est
Go, it is the dismissal ---- Loosely: "You have been dismissed". Concluding words addressed to the people in the Mass of the Roman Rite.[13]
iter legis
The path of the law ---- The path a law takes from its conception to its implementation.
iugulare mortuos
to cut the throat of corpses ---- From Gerhard Gerhards' (1466-1536) [better known as Erasmus] 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.
iura novit curia
the court knows the laws ---- A legal principle in civil law countries of the Roman-German 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).
iuris ignorantia est cum ius nostrum ignoramus
it is ignorance of the law when we do not know our own rights ----
ius accrescendi
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.
ius ad bellum
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.
ius cogens
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.
ius in bello
law in war ---- Refers to the "laws" that regulate the conduct of combatants 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 spelled ius.
ius primae noctis
law of the first night ---- The droit de seigneur.
iustitia omnibus
justice for all ---- Motto of the Washington, D.C.
iuventutis veho fortunas
I bear the fortunes of youth ---- Motto of Dollar Academy.
iuventuti nil arduum
to the young nothing is difficult ---- Motto of Canberra Girls' Grammar School.
Labor omnia vincit
Hard work conquers all ---- 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 parati sumus
To work, (or) to fight; we are ready ---- Motto of the California Maritime Academy
Labore et honore
By labour and honour ---- Motto of several schools
Laboremus pro patria
Let us work for the fatherland ---- Motto of the Carlsberg breweries
Laboris gloria Ludi
Work hard, Play hard ---- Motto of the Camborne School of Mines, Cornwall, UK
lapsus linguae
slip of the tongue ---- A "proglossis", "tip of the tongue" or "apex of the tongue". Often 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. Ex.: "I'm sorry for mispronouncing your name. It wasn't intentional; it was a lapsus linguae".
lapsus memoriae
slip of memory ---- Source of the term memory lapse.
Laudator Temporis Acti
praiser of time past ---- One who is discontent with the present but instead prefers things of the past. See "the Good old days".
Laudetur Jesus Christus
Praise (Be) Jesus Christ ---- Often used as a salutation, but also used after prayers or the reading of the gospel.
laus Deo
praise be to God ---- This is written on the East side at the peak of the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Also is the motto of Sydney Grammar School.
lectori salutem
greetings reader ---- Often abbreviated to L.S., used as opening words for a letter.
lege artis
according to the law of the art ---- 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.
legem terrae
the law of the land ----
leges humanae nascuntur, vivunt, et moriuntur
laws of man are born, live and die ----
leges sine moribus vanae
laws without morals [are] vain ---- From Horace's Odes: the official motto of the University of Pennsylvania.
legitime
lawfully ---- 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 héritier legitime (rightful heir).
lex artis
law of the skill ---- The rules that regulate a professional duty.
lex orandi, lex credendi
the law of prayer is the law of faith ----
lex dei vitae lampas
the law of God is the lamp of life ---- Motto of the Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne
lex ferenda
the law that should be borne ---- The law as it ought to be.
lex hac edictali
the law here proclaims ---- 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.
lex in casu
law in the event ---- A law that only concerns one particular case.
lex lata
the law that has been borne ---- The law as it is.
lex loci
law of the place ----
lex non scripta
law that has not been written ---- Unwritten law, or common law.
lex parsimoniae
law of succinctness ---- also known as Occam's Razor.
lex rex
the law [is] king ---- A principle of government advocating a rule by law rather than by men. The phrase originated as a double entendre in the title of Samuel Rutherford's controversial book Lex, Rex (1644), which espoused a theory of limited government and constitutionalism.
lex scripta
written law ---- Statute law. Contrasted with lex non scripta.
lex talionis
the law of retaliation ---- Retributive justice (cf. an eye for an eye).
lex tempus
time is the law ---- Name of musical composition by popular Maltese electronic music artist Ray Buttigieg
libera te tutemet (ex inferis)
Free yourself (from hell) ---- Used in the movie Event Horizon (1997), where it is translated as "save yourself (from hell)". It is initially misheard as liberate 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).
Libertas Justitia Veritas
Liberty Justice Truth ---- Motto of the Korea University.
Libertas Quae Sera Tamen
freedom which [is] however late ---- Thus, "liberty even when it comes late". Motto of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
libra (lb)
scales ---- Literally "balance". Its abbreviation, lb, is used as a unit of weight, the pound.
loco citato (lc)
in the place cited ---- More fully written in loco citato. See also opere citato.
locus classicus
a classic place ---- The most typical or classic case of something; quotation which most typifies its use.
locus deperditus
place of (irremediable) loss ---- Used in philology to indicate that subsequent mistakes in the 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.
locus minoris resistentiae
place of less resistance ---- A medical term to describe a location on or in a body that offers little resistance to infection, damage, or injury. For example, a weakened place that tends to be reinjured.
lorem ipsum
sorrow itself, pain for its own sake ---- A mangled fragment from Cicero's De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum (On the Limits of Good and Evil, 45 BC), used as typographer'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".
luceat lux vestra
Let your light shine ---- May be found in Matthew Ch. 5 V. 16. Popular as a school motto.
lucem sequimur
We follow the light ---- Motto of the University of Exeter, United Kingdom
luctor et emergo
I struggle and emerge ---- Motto of both the Dutch province of Zeeland to denote its battle against the sea, and the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan.
lucus a non lucendo
[it is] a grove by not being light ---- From late 4th-century grammarian Honoratus Maurus, who sought to mock implausible word origins such as those proposed by Priscian. A pun based on the word lucus (dark grove) having a similar appearance to the verb lucere (to shine), arguing that the former word is derived from the latter word because of a lack of light in wooded groves. Often used as an example of absurd etymology.
lupus in fabula
the wolf in the story ---- With the meaning "speak of the wolf, and he will come". Occurs in Terence's play Adelphoe.
lupus non mordet lupum
a wolf does not bite a wolf ----
lux et lex
light and law ---- Motto of the liberal arts school, Franklin & Marshall College. Light in reference to Benjamin Franklin's many innovations and discoveries. Law in reference to John Marshall as one of the most notable Supreme Court Justices.
lux et veritas
light and truth ---- A translation of the Hebrew Urim and Thummim. Motto of Yale University, Indiana University, and the University of Montana. An expanded form, lux et veritas floreant (let light and truth flourish), is the motto of the University of Winnipeg
lux ex tenebris
light from darkness ---- Motto of the 67th Network Warfare Wing, a unit within the United States Air Force.
lux hominum vita
life the light of men ---- Motto of the University of New Mexico
lux in Domino
light in the Lord ---- Motto of the Ateneo de Manila University
lux libertas
light, liberty ---- Motto of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
lux mentis lux orbis
Light of the mind, light of the world ---- Motto of Sonoma State University
lux sit
let there be light. A more literal Latinization of the phrase "let there be light", the most common translation of fiat lux ("let light arise", literally "let light be made"), which in turn is the Latin Vulgate Bible phrase chosen for the Genesis line "וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים, יְהִי אוֹר; וַיְהִי-אוֹר" (And God said: 'Let there be light.' And there was light). Motto of the University of Washington.
lux tua nos ducat
Your Light Guides Us ---- Motto of St. Julian's School, Carcavelos, Portugal[14]
magister dixit
the teacher has said it ---- Canonical medieval reference to Aristotle, precluding further discussion
Macte animo! Generose puer sic itur ad astra
Young, cheer up! This is the way to the skies. ---- The motto of Academia da Força Aérea(Air Force Academy) of the Brazilian Air Force
Magna Carta
Great Charter ---- A set of documents between Pope Innocent III, King John of England, and English barons. (1215 CE)
magna cum laude
with great praise ---- A common Latin honor, above cum laude and below summa cum laude.
Magna Europa est Patria Nostra
Great Europe is Our Fatherland ---- Political motto of pan-Europeanists (cf. ave Europa nostra vera Patria)
magna est vis consuetudinis
great is the power of habit ----
magno cum gaudio
with great joy ----
magnum opus
great work ---- Said of someone's masterpiece
maiora premunt
greater things are pressing ---- Used to indicate that it is the moment to address more important, urgent, issues.
mala fide
in bad faith ---- Said of an act done with knowledge of its illegality, or with intention to defraud or mislead someone. Opposite of bona fide.
mala tempora currunt
bad times are upon us ---- Also used ironically, e.g.: New teachers know all tricks used by pupils to copy from classmates? Oh, mala tempora currunt!.
male captus bene detentus
wrongly captured, properly detained ---- An illegal arrest will not prejudice the subsequent detention/trial.
malo periculosam libertatem quam quietum servitium
I prefer liberty with danger to peace with slavery ----
malum discordiae
apple of discord ---- Alludes to the apple of Eris in the Judgement of Paris, the mythological cause of the Trojan War. It is also a pun based on the near-homonymous word malum (evil). The word for "apple" has a long ā vowel in Latin and the word for "evil" a short a vowel, but they are normally written the same.
malum quo communius eo peius
the more common an evil is, the worse it is ----
malum in se
wrong in itself ---- A legal term meaning that something is inherently wrong (cf. malum prohibitum).
malum prohibitum
wrong due to being prohibited ---- A legal term meaning that something is only wrong because it is against the law.
manu militari
with a military hand ---- Using armed forces in order to achieve a goal
manu propria (m.p.)
with one's own hand ---- With the implication of "signed by one's hand". Its abbreviated form is sometimes used at the end of typewritten or printed documents or official notices, directly following the name of the person(s) who "signed" the document exactly in those cases where there isn't an actual handwritten signature.
manus celer Dei
the swift hand of God ---- Originally used as the name of a ship in the Marathon game series, its usage has spread. In the PlayStation game, Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain, the phrase was written in blood on the walls of a vampire's feeding room. It is assumed that one of the dying victims wrote it with his fingers. After the game's main character surveys the bloody room, associative logic dictates that the phrase was to deify both the vampire's wrath on shackled, powerless humans and the boundless slaughter of his victims.
manus manum lavat
one hand washes the other ---- famous quote from The Pumpkinification of Claudius, ascribed to Seneca the Younger.[15] It implies that one situation helps the other.
mare clausum
closed sea ---- In law, a sea under the jurisdiction of one nation and closed to all others.
mare liberum
free sea ---- In law, a sea open to international shipping navigation.
mare nostrum
our sea ---- A nickname given to the Mediterranean Sea during the height of the Roman Empire, as it encompassed the entire coastal basin.
Mater Dei
Mother of God ---- A name given to describe the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, who is also called the "Son of God."
mater facit
Mother Does It ---- Used as a joke to say Mother **** It, though it really means "mother does it"
Mater semper certa est
The mother is always certain ---- a Roman-law principle which has the power of praesumptio iuris et de iure, meaning that no counter-evidence can be made against this principle (literally: Presumed there is no counter evidence and by the law). Its meaning is that the mother of the child is always known.
mater familias
the mother of the family ---- The female head of a family. See pater familias.
materia medica
medical matter ---- The branch of medical science concerned with the study of drugs used in the treatment of disease. Also, the drugs themselves.
me vexat pede
it annoys me at the foot ---- Less literally, "my foot itches". Refers to a trivial situation or person that is being a bother, possibly in the sense of wishing to kick that thing away.
mea culpa
my fault ---- Used in Christian prayers and confession to denote the inherently flawed nature of mankind. Can also be extended to mea maxima culpa (my greatest fault). Analogous to the nonstandard modern English slang "my bad".
mea navis aëricumbens anguillis abundat
My hovercraft is full of eels ---- A relatively common recent Latinization inspired by the Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook sketch by Monty Python.
media vita in morte sumus
In the midst of our lives we die ---- A well-known sequence, falsely attributed to Notker during the Middle Ages. It was translated by Cranmer and became a part of the burial service in the funeral rites of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
Mediolanum captum est
Milan has been captured ---- Used erroneously as Mediolanum Capta Est by the black metal band Mayhem as an album title. Mediolanum was an ancient city in present-day Milan, Italy.
meliora
better things ---- Carrying the connotation of "always better". The motto of the University of Rochester.
Melita, domi adsum
Honey, I'm home! ---- A relatively common recent Latinization from the joke phrasebook Latin for All Occasions. Grammatically correct, but the phrase would be anachronistic in ancient Rome.
memento mori
remember that [you will] die ---- Figuratively "be mindful of dying" or "remember your mortality", and also more literally rendered as "remember to die", though in English this ironically misses the original intent. An object (such as a skull) or phrase intended to remind people of the inevitability of death. A more common theme in Christian than in Classical art. The motto of the Trappist order.
memento vivere
a reminder of life ---- Also, "remember that you have to live." Literally rendered as "remember to live."
memores acti prudentes futuri
mindful of what has been done, aware of what will be ---- Thus, both remembering the past and foreseeing the future. From the North Hertfordshire District Council coat of arms.
mens agitat molem
the mind moves the mass ---- From Virgil. Motto of Rossall School, the University of Oregon, the University of Warwick and the Eindhoven University of Technology.
mens et manus
mind and hand ---- Motto of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
mens rea
guilty mind ---- Also "culprit mind". A term used in discussing the mindset of an accused criminal.
mens sana in corpore sano
a sound mind in a sound body ---- Or "a sensible mind in a healthy body".
meminerunt omnia amantes
lovers remember all ----
metri causa
for the sake of the meter. Excusing flaws in poetry "for the sake of the meter"
Miles Gloriosus
Glorious Soldier ---- Or "Boastful Soldier". Miles Gloriosus is the title of a play of Plautus. A stock character in comedy, the braggart soldier. (It is said that at Salamanca, there is a wall, on which graduates inscribe their names, where Francisco Franco had a plaque installed reading FRANCISCUS FRANCUS MILES GLORIOSUS.)
minatur innocentibus qui parcit nocentibus
he threatens the innocent who spares the guilty ----
mirabile dictu
wonderful to tell ----
mirabile visu
wonderful by the sight ---- A Roman phrase used to describe a wonderful event/happening.
miscerique probat populos et foedera jungi
He approves of the mingling of the peoples and their bonds of union ---- Latin Aeneid of Virgil, Book IV, line 112, "he" referring to the great Roman god, who approved of the settlement of Romans in Africa. Old Motto of Trinidad and Tobago, and used in the novel A Bend in the River by V. S. Naipaul.
miserabile visu
terrible by the sight ---- A terrible happening or event.
miserere nobis
have mercy upon us ---- A phrase within the Gloria in Excelsis Deo and the Agnus Dei, to be used at certain points in Christian religious ceremonies.
missit me Dominus
the Lord has sent me ---- A phrase used by Jesus Christ.
mittimus
we send ---- A warrant of commitment to prison, or an instruction for a jailer to hold someone in prison.
mobilis in mobili
"moving in a moving thing" or, poetically, "changing through the changing medium" ---- The motto of the Nautilus from the Jules Verne novel 20000 Leagues Under the Sea.
modus operandi (M.O.)
method of operating ---- Usually used to describe a criminal's methods.
modus ponens
method of placing ---- Loosely "method of affirming", a logical rule of inference stating that from propositions if P then Q and P, then one can conclude Q.
modus tollens
method of removing ---- Loosely "method of denying", a logical rule of inference stating that from propositions if P then Q and not Q, then one can conclude not P.
modus morons
(Dog Latin)— ---- Dog Latin based on wordplay with modus ponens and modus tollens, referring to the common logical fallacy that if P then Q and not P, then one can conclude not Q (cf. denying the antecedent and contraposition).
modus vivendi
method of living ---- An accommodation between disagreeing parties to allow life to go on. A practical compromise.
montaini semper liberi
mountaineers [are] always free ---- State motto of West Virginia, adopted in 1872.
Montis Insignia Calpe
Badge of the Rock of Gibraltar
mortui vivos docent
(Let the) dead teach the living ---- Used to justify dissections of human cadavers in order to understand the cause of death.
more ferarum
like beasts ---- used to describe any sexual act in the manner of beasts
morior invictus
death before defeat ----
morituri nolumus mori
we who are about to die don't want to ---- From Terry Pratchett's The Last Hero
morituri te salutant
those who are about to die salute you ---- Used once in Suetonius' De Vita Caesarum 5, (Divus Claudius), chapter 21[16], by the condemned prisoners manning galleys about to take part in a mock naval battle on Lake Fucinus in AD 52. Popular misconception ascribes it as a gladiator's salute. See also: Ave Caesar morituri te salutant and Naumachia.
mors certa, hora incerta
death is certain, its hour is uncertain ----
mors tua vita mea
your death, my life ---- From medieval Latin, it indicates that battle for survival, where your defeat is necessary for my victory, survival.
mors vincit omnia
death conquers all" or "death always wins ---- An axiom often found on headstones.
morte magis metuenda senectus
old age should rather be feared than death ---- from Juvenal in his 'Satires'
mortuum flagellas
you are flogging a dead ---- From Gerhard Gerhards' (1466-1536) [better known as Erasmus] collection of annotated Adagia (1508). Criticising one who will not be affected in any way by the criticism.
mos maiorum
the custom of our ancestors ---- an unwritten code of laws and conduct, of the Romans. It institutionalized cultural traditions, societal mores, and general policies, as distinct from specific laws.
motu proprio
on his own initiative ---- Or "by his own accord." Identifies a class of papal documents, administrative papal bulls.
mulgere hircum
to milk a male goat ---- From Gerhard Gerhards' (1466-1536) [better known as Erasmus] collection of annotated Adagia (1508). Attempting the impossible.
multa paucis
Say much in few words ----
multis e gentibus vires
from many peoples, strength ---- Motto of Saskatchewan.
multum in parvo
much in little ---- Conciseness. The motto of Rutland, a county in central England. Latin phrases are often multum in parvo, conveying much in few words.
mundus vult decipi
the world wants to be deceived ---- From James Branch Cabell.
munit haec et altera vincit
this one defends and the other one conquers ---- Motto of Nova Scotia.
mutatis mutandis
with those things changed which needed to be changed ---- Thus, "with the appropriate changes".
nasciturus pro iam nato habetur, quotiens de commodis eius agitur
The unborn is deemed to have been born to the extent that his own inheritance is concerned ---- Refers to a situation where an unborn child is deemed to be entitled to certain inheritance rights.
natura abhorret a vacuo
nature abhors a vacuum ----
natura nihil frustra facit
nature does nothing in vain ---- Cf. Leucippus: "Everything that happens does so for a reason and of necessity."
natura non contristatur
nature is not saddened ---- That is, the natural world is not sentimental or compassionate.
natura non facit saltum ita nec lex
nature does not make a leap, thus neither does the law ---- Shortened form of "sicut natura nil facit per saltum ita nec lex" (just as nature does nothing by a leap, so neither does the law), referring to both nature and the legal system moving gradually.
natura non facit saltus
nature makes no leaps ---- A famous aphorism of Carl Linnaeus stating that all organisms bear relationships on all sides, their forms changing gradually from one species to the next. From Philosophia Botanica (1751).
naturalia non sunt turpia
What is natural is not dirty. ---- Based on Servius' commentary on Virgil's Georgics (3:96): "turpis non est quia per naturam venit."
naturam expellas furca, tamen usque recurret.
You may drive out Nature with a pitchfork, yet she still will hurry back. ---- You must take the basic nature of something into account. - Horace, Epistles, Book I, epistle iv, line 24.
navigare necesse est vivere non est necesse
to sail is necessary; to live is not necessary ---- Attributed by Plutarch to Gnaeus Pompeius, who, during a severe storm, commanded sailors to bring food from Africa to Rome.
ne plus ultra
nothing more beyond ---- Also nec plus ultra or non plus ultra. A descriptive phrase meaning the best or most extreme example of something. The Pillars of Hercules, for example, were literally the nec plus ultra of the ancient Mediterranean world. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V's heraldic emblem reversed this idea, using a depiction of this phrase inscribed on the Pillars—as plus ultra, without the negation. This represented Spain's expansion into the New World.
ne sutor ultra crepidam
Cobbler, no further than the sandal! ---- Thus, don't offer your opinion on things that are outside your competence. It is said that the Greek painter Apelles once asked the advice of a cobbler on how to render the sandals of a soldier he was painting. When the cobbler started offering advice on other parts of the painting, Apelles rebuked him with this phrase in Greek, and it subsequently became a popular Latin expression.
nec dextrorsum, nec sinistrorsum
Neither to the right nor to the left ---- Do not get distracted. This Latin phrase is also the motto for Bishop Cotton Boys' School and the Bishop Cotton Girls High school, both located in Bangalore, India.
nec spe, nec metu
without hope, without fear ----
nec tamen consumebatur
and yet it was not consumed ---- Refers to the Burning Bush of Exodus 3:2. Motto of many Presbyterian churches throughout the world, including Australia.
nec temere nec timide
neither reckless nor timid ---- The motto of the Dutch 11th air manoeuvre brigade 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade
neca eos omnes, deus suos agnoscet
kill them all, God will know his own. ---- alternate rendition of Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius. by Arnaud Amalric.
nemine contradicente (nem. con.)
with no one speaking against ---- Less literally, "without dissent". Used especially in committees, where a matter may be passed nem. con., or unanimously.
nemo dat quod non habet
no one gives what he does not have ---- Thus, "none can pass better title than they have".
nemo est supra legis
nobody is above the law ----
nemo iudex in sua causa
no man shall be a judge in his own cause ---- Legal principle that no individual can preside over a hearing in which he holds a specific interest or bias.
nemo malus felix
peace visits not the guilty mind ---- Also translated to "no peace for the wicked." Refers to the inherent psychological issues that plague bad/guilty people.
nemo me impune lacessit
no one provokes me with impunity ---- Motto of the Order of the Thistle, and consequently of Scotland, found stamped on the milled edge of certain British pound sterling coins. It is also the motto of the Montressors in the Edgar Allan Poe short story "The Cask of Amontillado"
nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit
No mortal is wise at all times ---- The wisest may make mistakes.
nemo nisi per amicitiam cognoscitur
No one learns except by friendship ---- Used to imply that one must like a subject in order to study it.
nemo saltat sobrius
Nobody dances sober ---- The short and more common form of "Nemo enim fere saltat sobrius, nisi forte insanit", "Nobody dances sober, unless he is completely insane."
nemo tenetur seipsum accusare
no one is bound to accuse himself ---- A maxim banning mandatory self-incrimination. Near-synonymous with accusare nemo se debet nisi coram Deo. Similar phrases include: nemo tenetur armare adversarium contra se (no one is bound to arm an opponent against himself), meaning that a defendant is not obligated to in any way assist the prosecutor to his own detriment; nemo tenetur edere instrumenta contra se (no one is bound to produce documents against himself, meaning that a defendant is not obligated to provide materials to be used against himself (this is true in Roman law and has survived in modern criminal law, but no longer applies in modern civil law); and nemo tenere prodere seipsum (no one is bound to betray himself), meaning that a defendant is not obligated to testify against himself.
Nemo igitur vir magnus sine aliquo adflatu divino umquam fuit
No great man ever existed who did not enjoy some portion of divine inspiration ---- From Cicero De Natura Deorum, book 2, 167
nervos belli, pecuniam infinitam
Endless money forms the sinews of war ---- In war, it is essential to be able to purchase supplies and to pay troops (as Napoleon put it, "An army marches on its stomach").
nihil ad rem
nothing to do with the point ---- That is, in law, irrelevant and / or inconsequential.
nihil dicit
he says nothing ---- In law, a declination by a defendant to answer charges or put in a plea.
nihil novi
nothing of the new ---- Or just "nothing new". The phrase exists in two versions: as nihil novi sub sole (nothing new under the sun), from the Vulgate, and as nihil novi nisi commune consensu (nothing new unless by the common consensus), a 1505 law of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and one of the cornerstones of its Golden Liberty.
nihil obstat
nothing prevents ---- A notation, usually on a title page, indicating that a Roman Catholic censor has reviewed the book and found nothing objectionable to faith or morals in its content. See also imprimatur.
Nihil sine Deo
Nothing without God ---- The motto of the Kingdom of Romania, while ruled by the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen dynasty (1878-1947).
nil admirari
be surprised at nothing ---- Motto of the Fitzgibbon family. See John FitzGibbon, 1st Earl of Clare
nil desperandum
nothing must be despaired at ---- That is, "never despair".
nil nisi bonum
(about the dead say) nothing unless (it is) good ---- Short for nil nisi bonum de mortuis dicere. That is, "Don't speak ill of anyone who has died". Also "Nil magnum nisi bonum" (nothing is great unless good), motto of St Catherine's School, Toorak.
nil nisi malis terrori
no terror, except to the bad ---- The motto of The King's School, Macclesfield.
nil per os (n.p.o.)
nothing through the mouth ---- Medical shorthand indicating that oral foods and fluids should be withheld from the patient.
nil satis nisi optimum
nothing [is] enough unless [it is] the best ---- Motto of Everton F.C., residents of Goodison Park, Liverpool.
nil sine labore
nothing without labour ---- Motto of Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Victoria School
nil sine numine
nothing without the divine will ---- Or "nothing without providence". State motto of Colorado, adopted in 1861. Probably derived from Virgil's Aeneid Book II, line 777, "non haec sine numine devum eveniunt" (these things do not come to pass without the will of the gods). See also numen.
nil volentibus arduum
Nothing [is] arduous for the willing ---- Nothing is impossible for the willing
nisi Dominus frustra
if not the Lord, [it is] in vain ---- That is, "everything is in vain without God". Summarized from Psalm 127, "nisi Dominus aedificaverit domum in vanum laboraverunt qui aedificant eam nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem frustra vigilavit qui custodit" (unless the Lord builds the house, they work on a useless thing who build it; unless the Lord guards the community, he keeps watch in vain who guards it). The motto of Edinburgh.
nisi prius
unless previously ---- In England, a direction that a case be brought up to Westminster for trial before a single judge and jury. In the United States, a court where civil actions are tried by a single judge sitting with a jury, as distinguished from an appellate court.
nolens volens
unwilling, willing ---- That is, "whether unwillingly or willingly". Sometimes rendered volens nolens, aut nolens aut volens or nolentis volentis. Similar to willy-nilly, though that word is derived from Old English will-he nil-he ([whether] he will or [whether] he will not).
noli me tangere
do not touch me ---- Commonly translated "touch me not". According to the Gospel of John, this was said by Jesus to Mary Magdalene after his resurrection.
noli turbare circulos meos
Do not disturb my circles! ---- That is, "Don't upset my calculations!" Said by Archimedes to a Roman soldier who, despite having been given orders not to, killed Archimedes at the conquest of Syracuse, Sicily. The soldier was executed for his act.
nolite te bastardes carborundorum
(Dog Latin) "Don't let the bastards grind you down ---- From The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood — the protagonist (Offred) finds the phrase inscribed on the inside of her wardrobe. One of many variants of Illegitimi non carborundum.
nolle prosequi
to be unwilling to prosecute ---- A legal motion by a prosecutor or other plaintiff to drop legal charges, usually in exchange for a diversion program or out-of-court settlement.
nolo contendere
I do not wish to contend ---- That is, "no contest". A plea that can be entered on behalf of a defendant in a court that states that the accused doesn't admit guilt, but will accept punishment for a crime. Nolo contendere pleas cannot be used as evidence in another trial.
nomen dubium
doubtful name ---- A scientific name of unknown or doubtful application.
nomen est omen
the name is a sign ---- Thus, "true to its name".
nomen nescio (N.N.)
I do not know the name ---- Thus, the name or person in question is unknown.
nomen nudum
naked name ---- A purported scientific name that does not fulfill the proper formal criteria and therefore cannot be used unless it is subsequently proposed correctly.
non bis in idem
not twice in the same thing ---- A legal principle forbidding double jeopardy.
non causa pro causa
not the cause for the cause ---- Also known as the "questionable cause" or "false cause". Refers to any logical fallacy where a cause is incorrectly identified.
non compos mentis
not in control of the mind ---- See compos mentis. Also rendered non compos sui (not in control of himself). Samuel Johnson, author of the first English dictionary, theorized that the word nincompoop may derive from this phrase.
non ducor, duco
I am not led; I lead ---- Motto of São Paulo city, Brazil. See also pro Brasilia fiant eximia.
non constat
it is not certain ---- Used to explain scientific phenomena and religious advocations, for example in medieval history, for rulers to issue a 'Non Constat' decree, banning the worship of a holy figure. In legal context, occasionally a backing for nulling information that was presented by an attorney. Without any tangible proof, Non constat information is difficult to argue for.
non facias malum ut inde fiat bonum
you should not make evil in order that good may be made from it ---- More simply, "don't do wrong to do right". The direct opposite of the phrase "the ends justify the means".
non impediti ratione congitatonis
unencumbered by the thought process ---- Motto of radio show Car Talk.
non in legendo sed in intelligendo legis consistunt
the laws depend not on being read, but on being understood ----
non liquet
it is not proven ---- Also "it is not clear" or "it is not evident". A sometimes controversial decision handed down by a judge when they feel that the law is not complete.
non loqui sed facere
not talk but action ---- Motto of the University of Western Australia's Engineering faculty student society.
non mihi solum
not for myself alone ---- Motto of Anderson Junior College, Singapore.
non nobis solum
not for ourselves alone ---- Appears in Cicero's De Officiis Book 1:22 in the form non nobis solum nati sumus (we are not born for ourselves alone). Motto of Lower Canada College, Montreal.
non obstante veredicto
not standing in the way of a verdict. A judgment notwithstanding verdict, a legal motion asking the court to reverse the jury's verdict on the grounds that the jury could not have reached such a verdict reasonably.
non olet
it doesn't smell ---- See pecunia non olet.
non omnis moriar
I shall not all die ---- "Not all of me will die", a phrase expressing the belief that a part of the speaker will survive beyond death.
non plus ultra
nothing further beyond ---- the ultimate
non possumus
not possible ----
non progredi est regredi
to not go forward is to go backward ----
non prosequitur
he does not proceed ---- A judgment in favor of a defendant when the plaintiff failed to take the necessary steps in an action within the time allowed.
non scholae, sed vitae discimus
We learn not for school, but for life. ---- from Seneca. Also, motto of the Istanbul Bilgi University.
non quis sed quid
not who but what ---- Used in the sense "what matters is not who says it but what he says" - a warning against ad hominem arguments. Also, motto of Southwestern University.
non sequitur
it does not follow ---- In general, a comment which is absurd due to not making sense in its context (rather than due to being inherently nonsensical or internally inconsistent), often used in humor. As a logical fallacy, a conclusion that does not follow from a premise.
non serviam
I will not serve ---- Possibly derived from a Vulgate mistranslation of the Book of Jeremiah. Commonly used in literature as Satan's statement of disobedience to God, though in the original context the quote is attributed to Israel, not Satan.
non sibi
Not for self. ---- A slogan used by many schools and universities.
non sibi, sed suis
Not for one's self but for one's own. ---- A slogan used by many schools and universities. Including Tulane University.
non sibi, sed patria
Not for self, but for Country. ---- Motto of the USS Halyburton (FFG-40)
non silba, sed anthar; Deo vindice
Not for self, but for others; God will vindicate. ---- A slogan used by the Ku Klux Klan.
non sum qualis eram
I am not such as I was ---- Or "I am not the kind of person I once was". Expresses a change in the speaker.
non teneas aurum totum quod splendet ut aurum
Do not hold as gold all that shines as gold. ---- Also, "All that glitters is not gold." Parabolae. Also used by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice.
non timebo mala
I will fear no evil ---- This is the phrase printed on the Colt, in Supernatural.
non vi, sed verbo
Not through violence, but through the word alone ---- Martin Luther on Catholic church reform. (see Protestant Reformation)
nosce te ipsum
know thyself. From Cicero, based on the Greek γνῶθι σεαυτόν (gnothi seauton), inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. A non-traditional Latin rendering, temet nosce (thine own self know), is translated in The Matrix as "know thyself".
nosus decipio
we cheat ---- As translated in Amazing Grace (2006 film), "we cheat." From verb decipere: to ensnare, trap, beguile, deceive, cheat.
noster nostri
Literally "Our ours" ---- Approximately "Our hearts beat as one."
nota bene (n.b.)
mark well ---- That is, "please note" or "note it well".
novus ordo seclorum
new order of the ages ---- From Virgil. Motto on the Great Seal of the United States. Similar to Novus Ordo Mundi (New world order).
nulla dies sine linea
Not a day without a line drawn. ---- Pliny the Elder attributes this maxim to Apelles, an ancient Greek artist.
nulla poena sine lege
no penalty without a law ---- Refers to the legal principle that one cannot be punished for doing something that is not prohibited by law, and is related to Nullum crimen, nulla poena sine praevia lege poenali.
nulla tenaci invia est via
For the tenacious, no road is impassable. ---- Motto of the Dutch car builder Spyker.
nullam rem natam
no thing born ---- That is, "nothing". It has been theorized that this expression is the origin of Italian nulla, French rien, and Spanish and Portuguese nada, all with the same meaning.
nulli secundus
second to none ---- Motto of the Coldstream Guardsand Nine Squadron Royal Australian Corps of Transport.
nullius in verba
On the word of no man ---- Motto of the Royal Society.
nullum crimen, nulla poena sine praevia lege poenali
no crime, no punishment without a previous penal law ---- Legal principle meaning that one cannot be penalised for doing something that is not prohibited by law. It also means that penal law cannot be enacted retroactively.
nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementiae fuit
There has been no great wisdom without an element of madness ----
numerus clausus
closed number ---- A method to limit the number of students who may study at a university.
nunc dimittis
now you send ---- beginning of the Song of Simeon, from the Gospel of Luke.
nunc est bibendum
now is the time to drink ---- Carpe-Diem-type phrase from the Odes of Horace, Nunc est bibendum, nunc pede libero pulsanda tellus (Now is the time to drink, now the time to dance footloose upon the earth).
nunc pro tunc
now for then ---- Something that has retroactive effect, is effective from an earlier date.
nunc scio quid sit amor
now I know what love is ---- From Virgil, Eclogues VIII.
nunquam minus solus quam cum solus
never less alone than when alone. ----
nunquam non paratus
never unprepared ---- Motto of the Scottish clan Johnston
O homines ad servitutem paratos
Men fit to be slaves! ---- Attributed (in Tacitus, Annales, III, 65) to the Emperor Tiberius, in disgust at the servile attitude of Roman senators. Used of those who should be leaders but instead slavishly follow the lead of others.
O tempora O mores
Oh, the times! Oh, the morals! ---- Also translated "What times! What customs!" From Cicero, Catilina I, 1, 2.
obiit (ob.)
one died ---- "He died" or "she died", an inscription on gravestones. ob. also sometimes stands for obiter (in passing or incidentally).
obit anus, abit onus
The old woman dies, the burden is lifted ---- Arthur Schopenhauer.
obliti privatorum, publica curate
Forget private affairs, take care of public ones ---- Roman political saying which reminds that common good should be given priority over private matters for any person having a responsibility in the State.
obiter dictum
a thing said in passing ---- In law, an observation by a judge on some point of law not directly relevant to the case before him, and thus neither requiring his decision nor serving as a precedent, but nevertheless of persuasive authority. In general, any comment, remark or observation made in passing.
obscuris vera involvens
the truth being enveloped by obscure things ---- From Virgil.
obscurum per obscurius
the obscure by means of the more obscure ---- An explanation that is less clear than what it tries to explain. Synonymous with ignotum per ignotius.
oculus dexter (O.D.)
right eye ---- Ophthalmologist shorthand.
oculus sinister (O.S.)
left eye ---- Ophthalmologist shorthand.
oderint dum metuant
let them hate, so long as they fear ---- Favorite saying of Caligula, attributed originally to Lucius Accius, Roman tragic poet (170 BC).
odi et amo
I hate and I love ---- The opening of Catullus 85. The entire poem reads, "odi et amo quare id faciam fortasse requiris / nescio sed fieri sentio et excrucior" (I hate and I love. Why do I do this, you perhaps ask. / I do not know, but I feel it happening and am tormented.).
odi profanum vulgus et arceo
I hate the unholy rabble and keep them away ---- From Horace.
odium theologicum
theological hatred ---- A name for the special hatred generated in theological disputes.
oleum camino
(To pour) oil on the fire ---- From Gerhard Gerhards' (1466-1536) [better known as Erasmus] collection of annotated Adagia (1508).
omnes vulnerant, postuma necat or omnes feriunt, ultima necat
All [the hours] wound, last one kills ---- Usual in clocks, reminding the reader of death.
omne ignotum pro magnifico
every unknown thing [is taken] for great ---- Or "everything unknown appears magnificent".
omnia dicta fortiora si dicta Latina
everything said [is] stronger if said in Latin ---- Or "everything sounds more impressive when said in Latin". A more common phrase with the same meaning is quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur.
omnia mutantur, nihil interit
Everything changes, nothing perishes ---- Or "Everything changes, but nothing is truly lost" (Ovid (43 BC - 17 AD), Metamorphoses, book XV, line 165)
omnia omnibus
All Things to All Men ---- 1 Corinthians 9:22
omnia vincit amor
Love conquers all. Virgil (70 BC - 19 BC), Eclogue X, line 69
omne vivum ex ovo
Every living thing is from an egg ---- A foundational concept of modern biology, opposing the theory of spontaneous generation.
omnia munda mundis
everything [is] pure to the pure [men] ---- From The New Testament.
omnia praesumuntur legitime facta donec probetur in contrarium
all things are presumed to be lawfully done, until it is shown [to be] in the reverse ---- In other words, "innocent until proven guilty".
omnibus idem
the same to all ---- The motto of P.C. Hooft, usually accompanied by a sun, which shines for (almost) everyone.
omnis traductor traditor
Every translator is a traitor ---- Every translation is a corruption of the original. Therefore, the reader should take heed of unavoidable imperfections.
Omnis Vir Tigris
"Everyone A Tiger" ---- Motto of the 102nd Intelligence Wing
omnium gatherum
gathering of all ---- A miscellaneous collection or assortment. Often used facetiously.
onus probandi
burden of proof
onus procedendi
burden of procedure ---- Burden of a party to adduce evidence that a case is an exception to the rule
opera omnia
all works ---- The collected works of an author.
opera posthuma
posthumous works ---- Works published after the author's death.
operari sequitur esse
the act of doing something follows the act of being ---- Scholastic phrase, used to explain that there is no possible act if there is not being: being is absolutely necessary for any other act.
opere citato (op. cit.)
in the work that was cited ---- Used in academic works when referring again to the last source mentioned or used.
opere et viritate
in action and truth ---- Doing what you believe is morally right through everyday actions.
opere laudato (op. laud.)
---- See opere citato
operibus anteire
leading the way with deeds ---- To speak with actions instead of words.
ophidia in herba
a snake in the grass ---- Any hidden danger or unknown risk.
opus anglicanum
English work ---- Fine embroidery. Especially used to describe church vestments.
Opus Dei
The Work of God ---- Opus Dei is a Catholic institution founded by Saint Josemaría Escrivá. Its mission is to help people turn their work and daily activities into occasions for growing closer to God, for serving others, and for improving society.
ora et labora
pray and work ---- The Motto of Order of Saint Benedict as well as the motto for St. Joseph's Institution, Dalhousie Law School, Halifax Nova Scotia, and Infant Jesus Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, Tangasseri, India, and other institutions.
ora pro nobis
pray for us ----
oratio directa
direct speech ---- An expression from Latin grammar. cf. "oratio obliqua."
oratio obliqua
indirect speech ---- An expression from Latin grammar. cf. "oratio directa."
orbis non sufficit
the world does not suffice"
"the world is not enough
Originates from Juvenal's Tenth Satire, referring to Alexander the Great. James Bond's adopted family motto in the novel On Her Majesty's Secret Service. It made a brief appearance in the film adaptation of the same name and was later used as the title of the nineteenth James Bond film, The World Is Not Enough.
orbis unum
One world ---- Seen in The Legend of Zorro.
ordo ab chao
Out of chaos, comes order ---- The phrase is one of the oldest mottos of Craft Freemasonry.[17][18]
orta recens quam pura nites
newly risen, how brightly you shine ---- Motto of New South Wales.
pace
"in peace" ---- "With all due respect to", "with due deference to", "by leave of", or "no offense to". Used to politely acknowledge someone who disagrees with the speaker or writer.
pace tua
"your peace" ---- Thus, "with your permission".
pacta sunt servanda
"agreements must be kept" ---- Also "contracts must be honoured". Indicates the binding power of treaties.
palma non sine pulvere
"no reward without effort" ---- Also "dare to try"; motto of numerous schools.
panem et circenses
"bread and circuses" ---- From Juvenal, Satire X, line 81. Originally described all that was needed for emperors to placate the Roman mob. Today used to describe any entertainment used to distract public attention from more important matters.
para bellum
"prepare for war" ---- From "Si vis pacem para bellum" if you want peace prepare for war since if a country is ready for war its enemies will not attack. Can be used to denote support or approval for a war or conflict.
parens patriae
"parent of the nation" ---- A public policy requiring courts to protect the best interests of any child involved in a lawsuit. See also Pater Patriae.
Pari passu
"with equal step" ---- Thus, "moving together", "simultaneously", etc.
parva sub ingenti
"the small under the huge" ---- Implies that the weak are under the protection of the strong, rather than that they are inferior. Motto of Prince Edward Island.
parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus
"When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things" ---- Motto of Barnard Castle School, sometimes translated as "Once you have accomplished small things, you may attempt great ones safely"
passim
"here and there" ---- Less literally, "throughout" or "frequently". Said of a word that occurs several times in a cited text. Also used in proof-reading, where it refers to a change that is to be repeated everywhere needed.
pater familias
"father of the family" ---- Or "master of the house". The eldest male in a family, who held patria potestas ("paternal power"). In Roman law, a father had enormous power over his children, wife, and slaves, though these rights dwindled over time. Derived from the phrase pater familias, an Old Latin expression preserving the archaic -as ending for the genitive case.
Pater Patriae
"Father of the Nation" ---- Also rendered with the gender-neutral parens patriae ("parent of the nation").
pater peccavi
"father, I have sinned" ---- The traditional beginning of a Roman Catholic confession.
Pater Omnipotens
"Father Almighty". A more direct translation would be "omnipotent father".
patriam fecisti diversis de gentibus unam
"From differing peoples you have made one native land" ----
pauca sed matura
"few, but ripe" ---- From The King and I by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Said to be one of Carl Gauss's favorite quotations.
pauca sed bona
"few, but good" ---- Similar to "quality over quantity"; though there may be few of something, at least they are of good quality.
pax aeterna
"eternal peace" ---- A common epitaph.
Pax Americana
"American Peace" ---- A euphemism for the United States of America and its sphere of influence. Adapted from Pax Romana.
Pax Britannica
"British Peace" ---- A euphemism for the British Empire. Adapted from Pax Romana.
Pax Christi
"Peace of Christ" ---- Used as a wish before the H.Communion in the RC Mass, also the name of the peace movement Pax Christi
pax Dei
"peace of God" ---- Used in the Peace and Truce of God movement in 10th-Century France.
Pax Deorum
"Peace of the Gods" ---- Like the vast majority of inhabitants of the ancient world, the Romans practiced pagan rituals, believing it important to achieve a state of Pax Deorum (The Peace of the Gods) instead of Ira Deorum (The Wrath of the Gods).
Pax Domine
"Peace, lord" ---- lord or master; used as a form of address when speaking to clergy or educated professionals.
pax et bonum
"peace and the good" ---- Motto of St. Francis of Assisi and, consequently, of his monastery in Assisi, in the Umbria region of Italy. Translated in Italian as pace e bene.
pax et lux
"peace and light" ---- Motto of Tufts University.
pax in terra
"Peace on earth" ---- Used to exemplify the desired state of peace on earth.
Pax Europaea
"European peace" ---- A euphemism for Europe after World War II
Pax Hispanica
"Spanish peace" ---- A euphemism for the Spanish Empire. Specifically can mean the twenty-three years of supreme Spanish dominance in Europe (approximately 1598-1621). Adapted from Pax Romana.
pax maternum, ergo pax familiarum
"peace of mothers, therefore peace of families" ---- If the mother is peaceful, then the family is peaceful. The reverse of the Southern American saying, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."
Pax Mongolica
"Mongolian Peace" ---- A period of peace and prosperity in Asia during the Mongol Empire.
Pax Romana
"Roman Peace" ---- A period of relative prosperity and lack of conflict in the early Roman Empire.
Pax Sinica
"Chinese Peace" ---- A period of peace in East Asia during times of strong Chinese hegemony.
Pax tecum
"Peace be with you" ---- (Singular)
pax vobiscum
"peace [be] with you" ---- A common farewell. The "you" is plural ("you all"), so the phrase must be used when speaking to more than one person; pax tecum is the form used when speaking to only one person.
Peccavi
"I have sinned" ---- Telegraph message and pun from Charles Napier, British general, upon completely subjugating the Indian province of Sindh in 1842. This is, arguably, the most terse military despatch ever sent. The story is apocryphal.
pecunia non olet
"the money doesn't smell" ---- According to Suetonius' De vita Caesarum, when Emperor Vespasian was challenged by his son Titus for taxing the public lavatories, the emperor held up a coin before his son and asked whether it smelled or simply said non olet ("it doesn't smell"). From this, the phrase was expanded to pecunia non olet, or rarely aes non olet ("copper doesn't smell").
pecunia, si uti scis, ancilla est; si nescis, domina
"if you know how to use money, money is your slave; if you don't, money is your master" ---- Written on an old Latin tablet in downtown Verona (Italy).
pendent opera interrupta
"the work hangs interrupted" ---- From the Aeneid of Virgil, Book IV.
per
"By, through, by means of" ---- See specific phrases below.
per angusta ad augusta
"through difficulties to greatness" ---- The motto of numerous educational establishments.
per annum (pa.)
"per year" ---- Thus, "yearly"—occurring every year.
per ardua
"through adversity" ---- Motto of the British RAF Regiment
per ardua ad alta
"through hard work, great heights are achieved" ---- Motto of University of Birmingham, Methodist Ladies' College, Perth
per ardua ad astra
"through struggles to the stars" ---- Motto of the air force of several nations (including the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom) and of several schools. The phrase is used by Latin Poet Virgil in the Aeneid; also used in Henry Rider Haggard's novel The People of the Mist.
per aspera ad astra
"through hardships to the stars" ---- From Seneca the Younger. Motto of NASA and the South African Air Force. A common variant, ad astra per aspera ("to the stars through hardships"), is the state motto of Kansas. Ad Astra ("To the Stars") is the title of a magazine published by the National Space Society. De Profundis Ad Astra ("From the depths to the stars.") is the motto of the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society.
per capsulam
"through the small box" ---- That is, "by letter".
per capita
"by heads" ---- "Per head", i.e., "per person" - a ratio by the number of persons. The singular is per caput ("through a head").
per contra
"through the contrary" ---- Or "on the contrary" (cf. a contrario).
per curiam
"through the senate" ---- Legal term meaning "by the court", as in a per curiam decision.
per crucem vincemus
"through the cross we shall conquer" ---- Motto of St John Fisher Catholic High School, Dewsbury.
per definitionem
"through the definition" ---- Thus, "by definition".
per diem (pd.)
"by day" ---- Thus, "per day". A specific amount of money an organization allows an individual to spend per day, typically for travel expenses.
per mare per terram
"By Sea and by Land" ---- Motto of the Royal Marines and (with small difference) of Clan Donald.
per mensem (pm.)
"by month" ---- Thus, "per month", or "monthly".
per os (p.o.)
"through the mouth" ---- Medical shorthand for "by mouth".
per pedes
"by feet" ---- Used of a certain place can be traversed or reached by foot, or to indicate that one is travelling by foot as opposed to by a vehicle.
per procura (p.p.) or (per pro)
"through the agency" ---- Also rendered per procurationem. Used to indicate that a person is signing a document on behalf of another person. Correctly placed before the name of the person signing, but often placed before the name of the person on whose behalf the document is signed, sometimes through incorrect translation of the alternative abbreviation per pro. as "for and on behalf of".
per quod
"by reason of which" ---- In a UK legal context: "by reason of which" (as opposed to per se which requires no reasoning). In American jurisprudence often refers to a spouse's claim for loss of consortium.
per rectum (pr)
"through the rectum" ---- Medical shorthand. See also per os.
per se
"through itself" ---- Also "by itself" or "in itself". Without referring to anything else, intrinsically, taken without qualifications, etc. A common example is negligence per se. See also malum in se.
per stirpes
"through the roots" ---- Used in wills to indicate that each "branch" of the testator's family should inherit equally. Contrasted with per capita.
per unitatem vis
"through unity, strength" ---- Motto of Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets.
per veritatem vis
"through truth, strength" ---- Motto of Washington University in St. Louis.
per volar sunata[sic]
"born to fly upwards"* ---- Motto of St Aidan's Anglican Girls' School and St Margaret's Anglican Girls School *This is a historical misconception. The phrase is not from latin but from 'Dante Purgatorio XII 94-96'. "Per Volar Su Nata" - Original meaning from the Sisters of the Sacred Advent was "Born to Soar" .
perge sequar
"advance, I follow" ---- from Virgil's Aeneid IV 114; in Vergil's context: "proceed with your plan, I will do my part."
perpetuum mobile
"thing in perpetual motion". A musical term. Also used to refer to hypothetical perpetual motion machines.
persona non grata
"person not pleasing" ---- An unwelcome, unwanted or undesirable person. In diplomatic contexts, a person rejected by the host government. The reverse, persona grata ("pleasing person"), is less common, and refers to a diplomat acceptable to the government of the country to which he is sent.
petitio principii
"request of the beginning" ---- Begging the question, a logical fallacy in which a proposition to be proved is implicitly or explicitly assumed in one of the premises.
pia desideria
"pious longings" ---- Or "dutiful desires".
pia fraus
"pious fraud" ---- Or "dutiful deceit". Expression from Ovid. Used to describe deception which serves Church purposes.
pia mater
"pious mother" ---- Or "tender mother". Translated into Latin from Arabic. The delicate innermost of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
pinxit
"one painted" ---- Thus, "he painted this" or "she painted this". Formerly used on works of art, next to the artist's name.
pluralis majestatis
"plural of majesty" ---- The first-person plural pronoun when used by an important personage to refer to himself or herself; also known as the "royal we".
plus minusve (p.m.v.)
"more or less" ---- Frequently found on Roman funerary inscriptions to denote that the age of a decedent is approximate.
plus ultra
"further beyond" ---- The national motto of Spain and a number of other institutions. Motto of the Colombian National Armada.
pollice compresso favor iudicabatur
"goodwill decided by compressed thumb" ---- Life was spared with a thumb tucked inside a closed fist, simulating a sheathed weapon. Conversely, a thumb up meant to unsheath your sword.
pollice verso
"with a turned thumb" ---- Used by Roman crowds to pass judgment on a defeated gladiator. The type of gesture used is uncertain. Also the name of a famous painting depicting gladiators by Jean-Léon Gérôme.
pons asinorum
"bridge of asses" ---- Any obstacle that stupid people find hard to cross. Originally used of Euclid's Fifth Proposition in geometry.
Pontifex Maximus
"Greatest High Priest" ---- Or "Supreme Pontiff". Originally an office in the Roman Republic, later a title held by Roman Emperors, and later a traditional epithet of the pope. The pontifices were the most important priestly college of the religion in ancient Rome; their name is usually thought to derive from pons facere ("to make a bridge"), which in turn is usually linked to their religious authority over the bridges of Rome, especially the Pons Sublicius.
posse comitatus
"force of the county" ---- Thus, to be able to be made into part of a retinue or force. In common law, a sheriff's right to compel people to assist law enforcement in unusual situations.
post aut propter
"after it or by means of it" ---- Causality between two phenomena is not established (cf. post hoc, ergo propter hoc).
post cibum (p.c.)
"after food" ---- Medical shorthand for "after meals" (cf. ante cibum).
post coitum
"After sex" ---- After sexual intercourse.
post coitum omne animal triste est sive gallus et mulier
"After sexual intercourse every animal is sad, except the cock and the woman" ---- Or: triste est omne animal post coitum, praeter mulierem gallumque. Attributed to Galen of Pergamum.[19]
post hoc ergo propter hoc
"after this, therefore because of this" ---- A logical fallacy where one assumes that one thing happening after another thing means that the first thing caused the second. The title of a West Wing episode.
post festum
"after the feast" ---- Too late, or after the fact.
post meridiem (p.m.)
"after midday" ---- The period from noon to midnight (cf. ante meridiem).
post mortem (pm)
"after death" ---- Usually rendered postmortem. Not to be confused with post meridiem.
Post mortem auctoris (p.m.a.)
"after the author's death" ---- The phrase is used in legal terminology in the context of intellectual property rights, especially copyright, which commonly lasts until a certain number of years after the author's death.
post prandial
"after the time before midday" ---- Refers to the time after any meal. Usually rendered postprandial.
post scriptum (p.s.)
"after what has been written" ---- A postscript. Used to mark additions to a letter, after the signature. Can be extended to post post scriptum (p.p.s.), etc.
post tenebras lux, or post tenebras spero lucem
"after darkness, [I hope for] light" ---- Motto of the Protestant Reformation inscribed on the Reformation Wall in Geneva from Vulgata, Job 17:12. Former motto of Chile; motto of Robert College of Istanbul.
postera crescam laude
"we grow in the esteem of future generations" ---- Motto of the University of Melbourne.
praemonitus praemunitus
"forewarned is forearmed" ----
praesis ut prosis ne ut imperes
"Lead in order to serve, not in order to rule" ---- Motto of Lancaster Royal Grammar School.
praeter legem
"after the law" ---- Legal terminology, international law.
prima facie
"at first sight" ---- Used to designate evidence in a trial which is suggestive, but not conclusive, of something (e.g., a person's guilt).
prima luce
"at dawn" ---- Literally "at first light"
primas sum: primatum nil a me alienum puto
"I am a primate; nothing about primates is outside of my bailiwick" ---- A sentence by the American anthropologist Earnest Hooton and the slogan of primatologists and lovers of the primates.
primum mobile
"first moving thing" ---- Or "first thing able to be moved". See primum movens.
primum movens
"prime mover". Or "first moving one". A common theological term, such as in the cosmological argument, based on the assumption that God was the first entity to "move" or "cause" anything. Aristotle was one of the first philosophers to discuss the "uncaused cause", a hypothetical originator—and violator—of causality.
primum non nocere
"first, to not harm" ---- A medical precept. Often falsely attributed to the Hippocratic Oath, though its true source is probably a paraphrase from Hippocrates' Epidemics, where he wrote, "Declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future; practice these acts. As to diseases, make a habit of two things: to help, or at least to do no harm."
primus inter pares
"first among equals" ---- A title of the Roman Emperors (cf. princeps).
principia probant non probantur
"principles prove; they are not proved" ---- Fundamental principles require no proof; they are assumed a priori.
prior tempore potior iure
"earlier in time, stronger in law" ---- A legal principle that older laws take precedent over newer ones. Another name for this principle is lex posterior.
pro bono publico
"for the public good" ---- Work undertaken voluntarily at no expense, such as public services. Often used of a lawyer's work that is not charged for.
pro Brasilia fiant eximia
"let exceptional things be made for Brazil" ---- Motto of São Paulo state, Brazil. See also non ducor duco.
Pro deo et patria
"For God and Country" ---- Motto of St. John's High School, Chandigarh, India, American University, Washington, DC, St Peter's College, Adelaide, and Iona Presentation College, Perth.
pro forma
"for form" ---- Or "as a matter of form". Prescribing a set form or procedure, or performed in a set manner.
pro gloria et patria
"for gloria and fatherland" ---- Motto of Prussia
pro hac vice
"for this occasion" ---- Request of a state court to allow an out-of-state lawyer to represent a client.
pro multis
"for many" ---- It is part of the Rite of Consecration of the wine in Western Christianity tradition, as part of the Mass.
pro patria
"for country" ---- Pro Patria Medal: for operational service (minimum 55 days) in defence of the Republic South Africa or in the prevention or suppression of terrorism; issued for the Border War (counter-insurgency operations in South West Africa 1966-89) and for campaigns in Angola (1975-76 and 1987-88). Motto of The Royal Canadian Regiment and Royal South Australia Regiment.
pro patria vigalans
"watchful for the country" ---- Motto of the United States Army Signal Corps.
pro rata
"for the rate" ---- i.e., proportionately.
pro rege et lege
"for king and the law" ---- Found on the Leeds coat of arms
pro re nata (prn)
"for a thing that has been born" ---- Medical shorthand for "as the occasion arises" or "as needed". Also "concerning a matter having come into being". Used to describe a meeting of a special Presbytery or Assembly called to discuss something new, and which was previously unforeseen (literally: "concerning a matter having been born").
pro studio et labore
"for study and work" ----
pro se
"for oneself" ---- to defend oneself in court without counsel ("pro per" -persona-in California)
pro tanto
"for so much" ---- Denotes something that has only been partially fulfilled. A philosophical term indicating the acceptance of a theory or idea without fully accepting the explanation
pro tempore
"for the time" ---- Equivalent to English phrase "for the time being". Denotes a temporary current situation.
probatio pennae
"testing of the pen" ---- A Medieval Latin term for breaking in a new pen.
propria manu (p.m.)
"by one's own hand" ----
propter vitam vivendi perdere causas
"to destroy the reasons for living for the sake of life" ---- That is, to squander life's purpose just in order to stay alive, and live a meaningless life. From Juvenal, Satyricon VIII, verses 83-84.
provehito in altum
"launch forward into the deep" ---- Motto of Memorial University of Newfoundland, as well as of the band 30 Seconds to Mars..
proxime accessit
"he came next" ---- The runner-up.
proximo mense (prox.)
"in the following month" ---- Formerly used in formal correspondence to refer to the next month. Used with ult. ("last month") and inst. ("this month").
pulvis et umbra sumus
"we are dust and shadow" ---- From Horace, Carmina book IV, 7, 16.
punctum saliens
"leaping point" ---- Thus, the essential or most notable point.
qua patet orbis
"as far as the world extends" ---- Motto of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps
quaecumque sunt vera
"whatsoever is true" ---- Motto of Northwestern University. Also motto of the University of Alberta as quaecumque vera. Taken from Phillipians 4:8 of the Bible
quaecumque vera doce me
"Teach me whatsoever is true" ---- Motto of St. Joseph's College, Edmonton at the University of Alberta.
quae non prosunt singula multa iuvant
"what alone is not useful helps when accumulated" ---- Ovid, Remedia amoris
quaere
"seek" ---- Or "you might ask..." Used to suggest doubt or to ask one to consider whether something is correct. Often introduces rhetorical or tangential questions.
quaerite primum regnum Dei
"seek ye first the kingdom of God" ---- Also quaerite primo regnum dei. Motto of Newfoundland and Labrador. Motto of Shelford Girls' Grammar, St Columb's College, and Philharmonic Academy of Bologna.
qualis artifex pereo
"As what kind of artist do I perish?" ---- Or "What an artist dies in me!" Attributed to Nero in Suetonius' De vita Caesarum.
quamdiu (se) bene gesserit
Legal Latin: "as long as he shall have behaved well" ---- I.e., "[while on] good behavior." From which Frank Herbert extracted the name for the Bene Gesserit sisterhood in the Dune novels.
quando omni flunkus, mortati
"When all else fails, play dead" ---- Mock-Latin phrase said at the end of The Red Green Show.
quantum libet (q.l.)
"as much as pleases" ---- Medical shorthand for "as much as you wish".
quantum sufficit (qs)
"as much as is enough" ---- Medical shorthand for "as much as needed" or "as much as will suffice".
quaque hora (qh)
"every hour" ---- Medical shorthand. Also quaque die (qd), "every day", quaque mane (qm), "every morning", and quaque nocte (qn), "every night".
quare clausum fregit
"wherefore he broke the close" ---- An action of trespass; thus 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.
quater in die (qid)
"four times a day" ---- Medical shorthand.
quem deus vult perdere, dementat prius
"Whom the gods would destroy, they first make insane" ----
quem di diligunt adulescens moritur
"he whom the gods love dies young" ---- Other translations of diligunt include "prize especially" or "esteem". From Plautus, Bacchides, IV, 7, 18. In this comic play, a sarcastic servant says this to his aging master. The rest of the sentence reads: dum valet sentit sapit ("while he is healthy, perceptive and wise").
questio quid iuris
"I ask what law?" ---- From the Summoner's section of Chaucer's General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales, line 648.
qui bono
"who with good" ---- Common nonsensical Dog Latin misrendering of the Latin phrase cui bono ("who benefits?").
qui pro quo
literally qui instead of quo (medieval Latin). Unused in English, but common in other modern languages (for instance Italian, Polish and French). Used as a noun, indicates a misunderstanding.
qui tacet consentire videtur
"he who is silent is taken to agree" ---- Thus, silence gives consent. Sometimes accompanied by the proviso "ubi loqui debuit ac potuit", that is, "when he ought to have spoken and was able to".
qui tam pro domino rege quam pro se ipso in hac parte sequitur
"he who brings an action for the king as well as for himself" ---- Generally known as 'qui tam,' it is the technical legal term for the unique mechanism in the federal False Claims Act that allows persons and entities with evidence of fraud against federal programs or contracts to sue the wrongdoer on behalf of the Government.
qui totum vult totum perdit
"he who wants everything loses everything" ---- Attributed to Seneca.
qui transtulit sustinet
"he who transplanted still sustains" ---- Or "he who brought us across still supports us", meaning God. State motto of Connecticut. Originally written as sustinet qui transtulit in 1639.
quia suam uxorem etiam suspiciore vacare vellet
"because he should wish even his wife to be free from suspicion" ---- Attributed to Julius Caesar by Plutarch, Caesar 10. Translated loosely as "because even the wife of Caesar may not be suspected". At the feast of Bona Dea, a sacred festival for females only, which was being held at the Domus Publica, the home of the Pontifex Maximus, Caesar, and hosted by his second wife, Pompeia, the notorious rhetorian Clodius arrived in disguise. Caught by the outraged noblewomen, Clodius fled before they could kill him on the spot for sacrilege. In the ensuing trial, allegations arose that Pompeia and Clodius were having an affair, and while Caesar asserted that this was not the case and no substantial evidence arose suggesting otherwise, he nevertheless divorced, with this quotation as explanation.
quid agis
"What's going on?" ---- What's happening? What's going on? What's the news? What's up?
quid est veritas
"What is truth?" ---- In the Vulgate translation of John 18:38, Pilate's question to Jesus. A possible answer is an anagram of the phrase: est vir qui adest, "it is the man who is here."
quid novi ex Africa
"What of the new out of Africa?" ---- Less literally, "What's new from Africa?" Derived from an Aristotle quotation.
quid pro quo
"what for what" ---- Commonly used in English, it is also translated as "this for that" or "a thing for a thing". Signifies a favor exchanged for a favor. The traditional latin expression for this meaning was do ut des ("I give, so that you may give").
quid nunc
"What now?" ---- Commonly shortened to quidnunc. As a noun, a quidnunc is a busybody or a gossip. Patrick Campbell worked for The Irish Times under the pseudonym "Quidnunc".
quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur
"whatever has been said in Latin seems deep" ---- Or "anything said in Latin sounds profound". A recent ironic Latin phrase to poke fun at people who seem to use Latin phrases and quotations only to make themselves sound more important or "educated". Similar to the less common omnia dicta fortiora si dicta Latina.
Quieta non movere
"don't move settled things" ----
quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
"Who will guard the guards themselves?" ---- Commonly associated with Plato who in the Republic poses this question; and from Juvenal's On Women, referring to the practice of having eunuchs guard women and beginning with the word sed ("but"). Usually translated less literally, as "Who watches the watchmen?" This translation is a common epigraph, such as of the Tower Commission and Alan Moore's Watchmen comic book series.
quis leget haec?
"Who will read this?" ----
quis ut Deus
"Who [is] as God?" ---- Usually translated "Who is like unto God?" Questions who would have the audacity to compare himself to a Supreme Being.
quo amplius eo amplius
"Something more beyond plenty" ---- Apocryphally credited to Borges, House on Nob Hill (unauthorized Morgenstern translation, c. 1962)
quo errat demonstrator
"where the prover errs" ---- A pun on ''quod erat demonstrandum''.
quo fata ferunt
"where the fates bear us to" ---- Motto of Bermuda.
quo usque tandem
"For how much longer?" ---- From Cicero's Ad Catilinam speech to the Roman Senate regarding the conspiracy of Catiline: quo usque tandem abutere Catilina patientia nostra ("For how much longer, Catiline, will you abuse our patience?").
quo vadis
"Where are you going?" ---- According to Vulgate translation of John 13:36, Saint Peter asked Jesus Domine, quo vadis ("Lord, where are you going?"). The King James Version has the translation "Lord, whither goest thou?"
quod erat demonstrandum (Q.E.D.)
"which was to be demonstrated" ---- The abbreviation is often written at the bottom of a mathematical proof. Sometimes translated loosely into English as "The Five Ws", W.W.W.W.W., which stands for "Which Was What We Wanted".
quod erat faciendum (Q.E.F)
"which was to be done" ---- Or "which was to be constructed". Used in translations of Euclid's Elements when there was nothing to prove, but there was something being constructed, for example a triangle with the same size as a given line.
quod est (q.e.)
"which is" ----
quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur
"what is asserted without reason may be denied without reason" ---- If no grounds have been given for an assertion, then there are no grounds needed to rejection it.
quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi
"what is permitted to Jupiter is not permitted to an ox" ---- If an important person does something, it does not necessarily mean that everyone can do it (cf. double standard). Iovi (also commonly rendered Jovi) is the dative form of Iupiter ("Jupiter" or "Jove"), the chief god of the Romans.
quod me nutrit me destruit
"what nourishes me destroys me" ---- Thought to have originated with Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe. Generally interpreted to mean that that which motivates or drives a person can consume him or her from within. This phrase has become a popular slogan or motto for pro-ana websites, anorexics and bulimics. In this case the phrase is literally describing food.
quod natura non dat Salmantica non praestat
"what nature does not give, Salamanca does not provide" ---- Refers to the Spanish University of Salamanca, meaning that education cannot substitute the lack of brains.
Quod scripsi, scripsi.
"What I have written I have written." ---- Pilate to the chief priests (John 19:22).
quod vide (q.v.)
"which see" ---- Used after a term or phrase that should be looked up elsewhere in the current document or book. For more than one term or phrase, the plural is quae vide (qq.v.).
quomodo vales
"how are you?" ----
quorum
"of whom" ---- The number of members whose presence is required under the rules to make any given meeting constitutional.
quos amor verus tenuit tenebit
"Those whom true love has held, it will go on holding" ---- Seneca.
Quot capita tot sensus
"As many heads, so many opinions" ---- "There are as many opinions as there are heads." --Terence.
quot homines tot sententiae
"how many people, so many opinions" ---- Or "there are as many opinions as there are people".
radix malorum est cupiditas
"the root of evils is desire" ---- Or "greed is the root of all evil". Theme of the Pardoner's Tale from The Canterbury Tales.
Rara avis (Rarissima avis)
"Rare bird" ("very rare bird") ---- An extraordinary or unusual thing. From Juvenal's Satires: rara avis in terris nigroque simillima cygno ("a rare bird in the lands, and very like a black swan").
ratio decidendi
"reasoning for the decision" ---- The legal, moral, political, and social principles used by a court to compose a judgment's rationale.
ratio legis
"reasoning of law" ---- A law's foundation or basis.
ratione soli
"by account of the ground" ---- Or "according to the soil". Assigning property rights to a thing based on its presence on a landowner's property.
re
"[in] the matter of" ---- More literally, "by the thing". From the ablative of res ("thing" or "circumstance"). Often used in e-mail replies. It is a common misconception that the "Re:" in correspondence is an abbreviation for regarding or reply; this is not the case. The use of Latin re, in the sense of "about, concerning", is English usage.
rebus sic stantibus
"with matters standing thus" ---- The doctrine that treaty obligations hold only as long as the fundamental conditions and expectations that existed at the time of their creation hold.
recte et fideliter
"Upright and Faithful" ---- Also "just and faithful" and "accurately and faithfully". Motto of Ruyton Girls' School
reductio ad absurdum
"leading back to the absurd" ---- A common debate technique, and a method of proof in mathematics and philosophy, that proves the thesis by showing that its opposite is absurd or logically untenable. In general usage outside mathematics and philosophy, a reductio ad absurdum is a tactic in which the logic of an argument is challenged by reducing the concept to its most absurd extreme. Translated from Aristotle's "ἡ εις άτοπον απαγωγη" (hi eis atopon apagogi, "reduction to the impossible").
reductio ad infinitum
"leading back to the infinite" ---- An argument that creates an infinite series of causes that does not seem to have a beginning. As a fallacy, it rests upon Aristotle's notion that all things must have a cause, but that all series of causes must have a sufficient cause, that is, an unmoved mover. An argument which does not seem to have such a beginning becomes difficult to imagine.
regnat populus
"the people rule" ---- State motto of Arkansas, adopted in 1907. Originally rendered in 1864 in the plural, regnant populi ("the peoples rule"), but subsequently changed to the singular.
Regnum Mariae Patrona Hungariae
"Kingdom of Mary, the Patron of Hungary" ---- Former motto of Hungary.
remit
---- That which is sent back - a question sent for report or reconsideration by a court to a lower court or to a committee.
repetita juvant
"repeating does good" ---- Usually said as a jocular remark to defend the speaker's (or writer's) choice to repeat some important piece of information to ensure reception by the audience.
repetitio est mater studiorum
"repetition is the mother of study" ----
requiescat in pace (R.I.P.)
"let him rest in peace" ---- Or "may he rest in peace". A benediction for the dead. Often inscribed on tombstones or other grave markers. "RIP" is commonly mistranslated as "Rest In Peace", though the two mean essentially the same thing.
rerum cognoscere causas
"to learn the causes of things" ---- Motto of the University of Sheffield, the University of Guelph, and London School of Economics.
res gestae
"things done" ---- A phrase used in law representing the belief that certain statements are made naturally, spontaneously and without deliberation during the course of an event, they leave little room for misunderstanding/misinterpretation upon hearing by someone else ( i.e. by the witness who will later repeat the statement to the court) and thus the courts believe that such statements carry a high degree of credibility.
res ipsa loquitur
"the thing speaks for itself" ---- A phrase from the common law of torts meaning that negligence can be inferred from the fact that such an accident happened, without proof of exactly how. A clause sometimes (informally) added on to the end of this phrase is sed quid in infernos dicit ("but what the hell does it say?"), which serves as a reminder that one must still interpret the significance of events that "speak for themselves".
res judicata
"judged thing" ---- A matter which has been decided by a court. Often refers to the legal concept that once a matter has been finally decided by the courts, it cannot be litigated again (cf. non bis in idem and double jeopardy).
respice adspice prospice
"look behind, look here, look ahead" ---- i.e., "examine the past, the present and future". Motto of CCNY.
respice finem
"look back at the end" ---- i.e., "have regard for the end" or "consider the end". Generally a memento mori, a warning to remember one's death.
respondeat superior
"let the superior respond" ---- Regarded as a legal maxim in agency law, referring to the legal liability of the principal with respect to an employee. Whereas a hired independent contract acting tortiously may not cause the principal to be legally liable, a hired employee acting tortiously will cause the principal (the employer) to be legally liable, even if the employer did nothing wrong.
restitutio in integrum
"restoration to original condition" ---- Principle behind the awarding of damages in common law negligence claims
res, non verba
"actions speak louder than words" ---- From rēs ("'things, facts'") the plural of rēs ("'a thing, a fact'") + nōn ("'not'") + verba ("'words'") the plural of verbum ("'a word'"). Literally meaning "things, not words" or "facts instead of words" but referring to that "actions be used instead of words".
res nullius
"nobody's property" ---- Goods without an owner. Used for things or beings which belong to nobody and are up for grabs, e.g., uninhabited and uncolonized lands, wandering wild animals, etc. (cf. terra nullius, "no man's land").
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