Latin ReviewPhrases and Root Words

Ab ovo usque ad mala

Literal meaning: from eggs to applesCommon meaning: from the beginning to the

endEtymology: Roman dinners usually included

many courses beginning with boiled eggs and ending with fruit.

Ab initio

Literal and common meaning: the beginningfrom initial meaning the beginning

Ad hominem

Literal meaning: to the manCommon meaning: personalEtymology: Instead of focusing on issues,

politicians in ancient Rome often made personal attacks on their rivals during speeches.

Ad hoc

Literal meaning: to thisCommon meaning: for this

Ad infinitum

Literal meaning: to the infiniteCommon meaning: endlesslyEtymology: in-without + finis-end

Ad nauseam

Literal meaning: to seasicknessCommon meaning: to the point of disgust

Ad libitum

Literal meaning: at pleasureCommon meaning: without preparation

Alibi

Literal meaning: at elsewhereCommon meaning: defense of being elsewhere

when a crime was committedEtymology: alius, “other” + ibi, “there, in that

place

Alma Mater

Literal meaning: Nourishing motherCommon meaning: school or college attendedEtymology: Alma Mater is a title the Romans

gave to schools because they were to nurture students with food and thought.

Latin Root Words

SonusVideoVerbumNomenPro

Sonus

Sound

Video - Visum

See

Verbum

Word

Nomen

Name

Pro

For or before

Prae

Before