Editor Hana Conte - 13
Latin: The Language We Love (Or Hate)
How to Use Latin to Sound Smarter
Parliamentarian Charlie Moser (St. Xavier)
Have you ever wondered, “Why am I learning a language which is no longer spoken?” The answer to that is, “DUH! This language can enhance your vocabulary in ways that make you sound at least as smart as you actually are.” Today, I would like to give you some Latin terms you can incorporate into your vocabulary to sound smarter.
1. Sine Qua Non - Indispensable; Cannot be done without - George Washington’s leadership and credibility were sine qua non for the young new nation in its tenuous early days.
2. Id Est (Often abbreviated to i.e.) - In other words - You could fry an egg on the sidewalk i.e. it was really hot outside.
3. Bona Fide (adj) - Legitimate; Authentic; Proven to be the real deal or having the correct credentials - No bona fide doctor would treat their patients this way.
4. De Facto (adj/adv) - In reality; The way something actually functions, even if it’s not technically/officially so - Even though she didn’t have the title, Dr. Bailey was the de facto chief resident
5. Ad Nauseum (adj/adv) - When something is repeated over and over again until tedious or annoying - Ad nauseum is something that is repeated over and over again until tedious or annoying. Ad nauseum is something that is repeated over and over again until tedious or annoying. Ad nauseum is something that is repeated over and over again until tedious or annoying.
6. Modus Operandi (n) (abbreviated as M.O.) - Standard Procedure; Normal way of doing things - Waking up and making breakfast for his family every morning was my Dad’s M.O.
7. Hubris (n) - Excessive pride in one’s invincibility that leads to extreme downfall - In Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar’s tragic flaw was his own hubris.
8. Magnum Opus - Finest work; Greatest Achievement - Hamlet was William Shakespeare’s magnum opus.
9. Caveat (n) - Warning; Caution - He gave his son the keys with the caveat that he must wear his seatbelt.