50个常见拉丁语词.docxVIP

Must-Learn TermsIf you dont know these Latin terms, get to learning them ASAP, as they are commonly used in speaking and writing and may be hard to avoid. Per se: The direct translation of this term is by itself and it means just that when used in English as well. You could use it to say that you dont find chemistry boring per se (by itself, intrinsically), but this professors voice puts you to sleep. Vice versa: From the Latin meaning to change or turn around, this term means to reverse the order of something. This quote from Samuel Butler provides an example, In the midst of vice we are in virtue, and vice versa. Alma mater: If you dont know this term already, youll become quite familiar with it once you graduate from college. The literal translation is dear/bountiful mother but youll find it used in everyday language to denote the college or university from which one has graduated. Magnum opus: Whether its in writing, painting, sculpture or music, this Latin term denotes the greatest work done by an artist-- a true masterpiece. Bona fide: While its literal translation means good faith this term has a few different shades of meaning in modern language. In legal terms, it is used to represent something that is presented without deception or fraud, or literally in good faith, honest, sincere and lawful. It is more commonly used to mean something thats the real deal or truly authentic. Quasi: In Latin, this word means as if or as though and in English it is used as both an adjective in its own right and as a part of a compound word. It simply designates something that resembles something else but doesnt quite have all the same features. Alter ego: Cicero coined this term, most likely taken from the Greek, to mean a second self or another I and its modern meaning hasnt changed much today. Many people have an alter ego, or another, perhaps hidden aspect of themselves. One example from popular culture is Beyonces alter ego, Sasha Fierce. Verbatim: If you repeat somethin