Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Latin Phrases and Expressions Words

ab-initio (adverb) /ˌab ɪˈnɪʃɪəʊ/
Definition: To start or consider something from its very inception or earliest point.
Example Sentence: "The designer approached the project ab initio with a new design concept."
Synonyms: baseline; commencement; dawn; genesis; inception; initially
Opposite Meaning: end

ad-nauseam (adverb) /ˌad ˈnɔːzɪəm/
Definition: To repeat excessively, often to the point of becoming monotonous, tiresome, or irritating.
Example Sentence: "The debate on the issue went on ad nauseam without any resolution."
Synonyms: ceaselessly; endlessly; excessively; exhaustively; incessantly; interminably
Opposite Meaning: seldom

anno-domini (adverb) /ˌanəʊ ˈdɒmɪnʌɪ/
Definition: To describe a system of dating based on the birth of Jesus Christ, the full form of AD.
Example Sentence: "The Anno Domini system of dating is widely used in the Western world."
Synonyms: annually; calendrical; chronologically; cyclically; datedly; historically
Opposite Meaning: before-Christ

bona-fide (adjective) /ˌbəʊnə ˈfʌɪdi/
Definition: Genuine, authentic, and made or carried out in good faith, without deception or fraudulent intent.
Example Sentence: "She was a bona fide member of the organization."
Synonyms: actual; authentic; credible; genuine; honest; incontestable
Opposite Meaning: fake

carpe-diem (interjection) /ˌkɑːpeɪ ˈdiːɛm/
Definition: Used as a reminder to make the most of the present moment and to not waste time worrying about the past or future.
Example Sentence: "He was known for his carpe diem attitude and spontaneous nature."
Synonyms: capitalize; embrace; enjoy; exploit; grasp; live
Opposite Meaning: procrastinate

caveat-emptor (noun) /ˌkavɪat ˈɛmptɔː/
Definition: The principle that the buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of a product or service before purchase.
Example Sentence: "She was warned to practice caveat emptor when purchasing a used car."
Synonyms: caution; circumspection; discretion; guardedness; mindfulness; prudence
Opposite Meaning: seller-responsibility

circa (preposition) /ˈsəːkə/
Definition: An approximate date or time, when the exact date is uncertain or unknown.
Example Sentence: "The building is thought to have been constructed circa the 17th century."
Synonyms: about; approximately; around; closely; nearby; nearly
Opposite Meaning: precisely

de-facto (adjective) /deɪ ˈfaktəʊ/
Definition: Existing in practice, even if not officially recognized or legal.
Example Sentence: "The city was the de facto capital, even though it was not officially recognized as such."
Synonyms: actual; customary; effective; functional; implicit; operative
Opposite Meaning: de-jure

ergo (adverb) /ˈəːɡəʊ/
Definition: To indicate a logical inference or conclusion drawn from preceding statements or reasoning.
Example Sentence: "He was at the scene of the crime, ergo he is a suspect."
Synonyms: accordingly; consequently; hence; then; thereupon; thus
Opposite Meaning: nonetheless

erratum (noun) /ɛˈrɑːtəm/
Definition: An error or mistake in a printed work, such as a book, article, or document.
Example Sentence: "She found an erratum in the exam and informed the teacher."
Synonyms: blunder; correction; corrigendum; error; fault; flaw
Opposite Meaning: perfection

exempli-gratia (adverb) /ekˈsem.pliː ˈɡraː.ti.aː/
Definition: To introduce an example or illustration, commonly abbreviated "E.G."
Example Sentence: "The menu includes a variety of dishes, exempli gratia, pasta, pizza, and sushi."
Synonyms: especially; expressly; including; like; namely; notably
Opposite Meaning: in-general

ex-gratia (adjective) /ˌɛks ˈɡreɪʃə/
Definition: Made out of goodwill, generosity, or sympathy rather than as a legal obligation or requirement.
Example Sentence: "He was given an ex gratia payment for his years of service."
Synonyms: complimentary; discretionary; free; goodwill; gratuitous; honorary
Opposite Meaning: obligatory

ex-officio (adverb) /ˌɛks əˈfɪʃɪəʊ/
Definition: Performed by virtue of holding a particular position or office, rather than by personal choice or appointment.
Example Sentence: "The president of the company is also an ex officio member of the board of directors."
Synonyms: approved; authorized; automatically; certified; inalienably; inherently
Opposite Meaning: elected

gratis (adverb) /ˈɡratɪs/
Definition: To indicate that something is offered or provided without any cost or obligation.
Example Sentence: "The concert is open to the public, gratis."
Synonyms: complimentary; costless; free; freebie; freely; gift
Opposite Meaning: costly

habeas-corpus (noun) /ˌheɪbɪəs ˈkɔːpəs/
Definition: A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a court, especially to secure their release.
Example Sentence: "The habeas corpus petition was filed on behalf of the prisoner."
Synonyms: apology; arraignment; charge; citation; claim; demand
Opposite Meaning: detention

ipso-facto (adverb) /ˌɪpsəʊ ˈfaktəʊ/
Definition: To indicate that something is evidently true without the need for further proof or explanation.
Example Sentence: "The merger was dissolved ipso facto due to lack of regulatory approval."
Synonyms: automatically; consequently; definitively; inescapably; inevitably; inherently
Opposite Meaning: debatable

magnum-opus (noun) /ˌmaɡnəm ˈəʊpəs/
Definition: An artist's or writer's most renowned or accomplished work.
Example Sentence: "His magnum opus was a masterpiece that cemented his place in literary history."
Synonyms: achievement; crowning; glory; greatness; masterpiece; opus
Opposite Meaning: failure

modus-operandi (noun) /ˌməʊdəs ˌɒpəˈrandiː/
Definition: The typical way in which someone or something operates or behaves.
Example Sentence: "The police were able to identify the suspect based on his modus operandi."
Synonyms: approach; method; operation; practice; procedure; process
Opposite Meaning: disorder

per-se (adverb) /pəː ˈseɪ/
Definition: To indicate that something is true or valid in and of itself, without the need for any additional context or explanation.
Example Sentence: "The behavior is not illegal per se, but it can be considered unethical."
Synonyms: basically; directly; essentially; fundamentally; inherently; intrinsically
Opposite Meaning: indirectly

pro-bono (adverb) /prəʊ ˈbəʊnəʊ/
Definition: Describing work or services provided by professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, or consultants, without charging a fee or expecting payment.
Example Sentence: "He provided legal services pro bono to the underprivileged community."
Synonyms: benevolent; charitable; complimentary; costless; free; gratis
Opposite Meaning: paid

quid-pro-quo (noun) /ˌkwɪd prəʊ ˈkwəʊ/
Definition: Something is given or done in exchange for something else.
Example Sentence: "The quid pro quo between the doctor and the pharmaceutical company was unethical."
Synonyms: barter; compensation; exchange; reciprocity; recompense; repayment
Opposite Meaning: gift

status-quo (noun) /ˌsteɪtəs ˈkwəʊ/
Definition: The existing or current state of affairs, conditions, or circumstances in a particular situation, organization, or society.
Example Sentence: "He was content with the status quo and saw no need for change."
Synonyms: conformity; conservatism; established; norm; preservation; routine
Opposite Meaning: change

tabula-rasa (noun) /ˌtabjʊlə ˈrɑːzə/
Definition: The idea that individuals are born without any innate knowledge, skills or dispositions.
Example Sentence: "The concept of tabula rasa is central to the debate on nature vs nurture."
Synonyms: blank; canvas; clean; emptiness; fresh; innocence
Opposite Meaning: preconceived

terra-firma (noun) /ˌtɛrə ˈfəːmə/
Definition: The solid and stable surface of the Earth, as opposed to bodies of water or other less stable terrains.
Example Sentence: "After months at sea, the sailors were relieved to be back on terra firma."
Synonyms: dirt; dryland; earth; ground; hardstand; land
Opposite Meaning: water

viva-voce (adjective) /ˌvʌɪvəˈvəʊtʃi/
Definition: Referring to something orally rather than in writing, espeically an examination.
Example Sentence: "The viva voce exams were conducted in an open forum for all to hear."
Synonyms: articulated; expressed; oral; spoken; talked; unwritten
Opposite Meaning: written

vox-populi (noun) /ˌvɒks ˈpɒpjʊlʌɪ/
Definition: The collective opinions, beliefs, or preferences of the general public or the masses.
Example Sentence: "She disregarded the vox populi and did what she thought was right."
Synonyms: attitude; belief; consensus; feeling; majority; mindset
Opposite Meaning: leadership