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On terra firma
What does it mean? Terra firma means ‘dry land.’ Etymology Terra firma is a New Latin term literally meaning ‘solid earth.’ It’s first recorded use in the English language was c. 1595-1605. Improper...
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No Latin yesterday… mea culpa.
What does it mean? Mea culpa is the admission or acknowledgement of making a personal mistake. Traditionally, it is used in the prayer The Confiteor in the Catholic Church. It is slowly making its way...
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Persona non grata
What does it mean? To declare somebody persona non grata is to state that they are ostracised or unwelcome. It usually means somebody, usually a diplomat, is forbidden by the government from entering...
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Find this lesson in situ…
What does it mean? In situ is a fairly daunting and complicated Latin term that is not commonly seen in colloquial use. It is usually taken to mean ‘in its original place.’ It is used in many different...
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Ante bellum
What does it mean? Ante bellum means the period before a war. The accepted usage of the term, usually written as antebellum, refers to the American South before the civil war. Etymology The term...
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I came home about an ho-ergo… heh heh.
What does it mean? Ergo can mean consequently, therefore, accordingly, or hence. It also has a combining form ergo-, usually related to work, i.e. ergonomics, however this originates from the Greek...
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Latin will keep you compos mentis
What does it mean? To be compos mentis is to be of sound mind. It’s basically a fancy way of saying ‘I’m/he’s/she’s sane/sober/calm.’ Etymology Compos mentis is an adjective that translates literally...
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Ad hominem
What does it mean? Ad hominem is a term that is used to describe a personal attack made against a person. It is most widely used in law, usually in the context of an argument, where somebody attacks or...
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Pro bono
What does it mean? Pro bono is the shortened version of pro bono publico. It is used in different contexts in different countries and professions, but usually refers to work undertaken by professionals...
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May I see your curriculum vitae?
What does it mean? Curriculum vitae, usually abbreviated to just CV, is a fancy term for a resume widely used in most English-speaking countries. America is an exception; here the term is used more...
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