Latin Words and Phrases We Still Use in Modern English

Depending on how you count, more than 60% of modern English words derive from Latin and Greek. But comparatively few of these words retain the spelling from about 3,000 years ago, when ancient Romans wrote, read, and spoke in Latin.

These intact Latin words (meaning they’re spelled the same as the originals) are lurking everywhere, although some are more obvious than others.

Intact Latin Abbreviations

Many abbreviations conceal intact Latin. We awaken in the a.m., the ante meridiem, which translates to “before noon,” and go to sleep in the p.m., post meridiem, corresponding to “after noon.” We use shorthand terms such as “i.e.” (id est, Latin meaning “that is”) and “e.g.” (Latin for exempli gratia, meaning “for example”). “Etc.” is an abbreviation for et cetera, meaning “and others.” “A.D.” means anno domini, “year of our Lord,” with reference to the birth of Jesus.

We sometimes refer to dates as circa, “approximately,” or draft a CV, curriculum vitae, which translates to “course of life.” Academic references also are chock-full of Latin abbreviations, such as “ibid.,” short for ibidem (“in the same place”); “id.,” from idem (“the same”); “op. cit.,” which abbreviates opere citato (“the work cited”); and “sic” (“thus”).

Legal Latin

Lawyers and judges use intact Latin, too. The “v” in Montague v. Capulet is versus, meaning “against,” seen in another form in vice versa, “the other way around.” During divorce proceedings, a guardian for children is sometimes appointed ad litem, which means “until a final judgment.” Some briefs submitted to the court are from amicus curiae, “friends of the court,” and someone caught in the act is in pari delicto. When lawyers work for free, they do so pro bono. A person representing themself in court is pro se. And when lawyers have no argument on the merits of the case, they might (improperly) make ad hominem attacks on their opponents.

Everyday Latin

Our daily vocabulary is also full of intact Latin. Of particular interest is comparing the original Latin meaning with our modern English usage — they’re always related, but typically with a twist.

Acumen

Latin: A point, sting

Modern: A sharp intellect

Alibi

Latin: Elsewhere

Modern: Where a criminal defendant alleges he or she was at the relevant time

Arena

Latin: Sand, required to soak up the blood in the Roman Colosseum, after sanguinary gladiatorial battles

Modern: A place for entertainment and sporting events

Bonus

Latin: Something good

Modern: A payment beyond a normal paycheck; a reward for good performance