Vocab: Latin

Hi Everybody,

I intend to run through all the European languages that have contributed to English and cherry pick some interesting words. I will start off with Latin.

As you know Latin is a source language for many words in English. Some of these words have mutated when they have entered English but a lot of words are used in English the way they were in original Latin. A look at a few of them,

ab origine

From the very beginning; from the source or origin.

This is the source word for aboriginal/aborigine.

caveat emptor

Let the buyer beware

It is the principle that the seller of a product cannot be held responsible for its quality unless it is guaranteed in a warranty.

in camera:

In secret; privately

lapsus linguae

A slip of the tongue

fac simile

an exact copy, as of a book, painting, or manuscript. It means “make the like”

This is the source word for fax.

Till tomorrow,

Ciao

Vocab: Latin words

Aloha People,

Here are a few words from Latin, the language of ancient Rome and its empire; the language of law, the sciences and liturgy. And of special interest to us, the source of a lot of root words in the English language.

flagrante delicto
In the very act of committing the offense; red-handed.
Etymology: While the crime is blazing.

vox populi
Popular opinion; general sentiment.
Etymology: Voice of the people.
Another term is "Vox populi vox Dei". This means the voice of the people is the voice of God. It refers to the idea that the king should pay attention to the voice of the people.

sine qua non
An indispensable condition; prerequisite.
Etymology: without which not.

dramatis personae
The characters in a play or story.
The people involved in an event.
Etymology: Persons of the drama.

ex parte
Involving one side only.
Etymology: From a side.

Ciao