Latin | English Translation | Modern English Identification |
libra (lb.) | scale | pound of measurement |
magnum opus | great work | item that is considered to be the masterpiece of an author, artist, or composer |
mea culpa | by my fault | someone's apology for an action,etc. |
mens sana in corpore sano | a sound mind in a sound body | quote from the Roman poet Horace championing physical as well as intellectual vigor/well-being |
modus operandi (m.o.) | method of operating | refers to someone's unusual style of accomplishing tasks |
modus vivendi | method of living | refers to someone's usual lifestyle |
tempus fugit | time flies | refers to the speed at which time passes |
nolo contendere | i don't wish to contest | plea by a defendant essentially admitting guilt |
non compos mentis | not of sound mind | legal term used to refer to someone who is not competent to manage his/her own affairs |
non sequitur | it does not follow | an illogical statement |
nota bene (N.B.) | note well | shows that someone should pay close attention to something |
per centum (per cent) | by (through) 100 | out of each hundred |
per diem | by (through) the day | daily allowance |
persona non grata | unwelcome person | unwelcome person |
placebo | i will please | inactive medicine given merely to satisfy a patient |
post scriptum (P.S) | after the writing | afterthought added to a complete letter |
pro bono | for the good | free |
pro forma | for the form | for the sake of appearance |
quod erat demonstrandum | that which was to be shown | highlights the solution of a problem |
rara avis | rare bird | an unusual person |
recipe | take | directions for cooking for a prescription |
requiescat in pace (RIP) | may he/she rest in peace | appears on tombstones |
status quo | state at which | something's current situation |
referendum (singular) | must be brought back | the people as a whole choose, through voting, what a gov.'s course should be |
propaganda (plural) | must be spread | items supporting a (gov.'s)opinions which are widely broadcast to encourage support |
memorandum (sing.) | must be remembered | list of important items |
agenda (pl.) | must be done | items which need to be accomplished |
data (pl) | given | items which serve as the starting point of analysis |