Academic Foreign Phrases Quiz

1. The phrase 'carpe diem' (Latin) means 'seize the day.' Which sentence best shows its meaning?

She always plans her life carefully for the future.

He decided to quit his job and travel immediately.

They waited patiently for the right time to invest.

They remembered the past with great fondness.

Carpe diem is an exhortation to make the most of the present moment without concern for the future. Quitting immediately to travel is a strong example of 'seizing the day.'

Explanation

Carpe diem is an exhortation to make the most of the present moment without concern for the future. Quitting immediately to travel is a strong example of 'seizing the day.'

2. The Latin phrase 'ad nauseam' is used to describe a debate or action that has been repeated to the point of causing great _______.

Ad nauseam means 'to the point of sickness/nausea.' In usage, it refers to something (like an argument) that has been repeated excessively, causing weariness, annoyance, or boredom.

Explanation

Ad nauseam means 'to the point of sickness/nausea.' In usage, it refers to something (like an argument) that has been repeated excessively, causing weariness, annoyance, or boredom.

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3. The term 'persona non grata' (Latin) implies that a person is simply a guest.

True

False

This is false. Persona non grata means 'an unwelcome person.' It is a diplomatic term for a person who is banned or unacceptable to a host country or group.

Explanation

This is false. Persona non grata means 'an unwelcome person.' It is a diplomatic term for a person who is banned or unacceptable to a host country or group.

4. The phrase 'quid pro quo' (Latin) means 'something for something.' Which situation exemplifies this meaning?

A person giving a gift with no expectation of return.

A politician trading a vote for a campaign donation.

A student failing a test unexpectedly.

A spontaneous act of charity.

Quid pro quo is an exchange of goods or services where one return is dependent on another. A politician trading a vote for a donation is a classic example of this reciprocal exchange.

Explanation

Quid pro quo is an exchange of goods or services where one return is dependent on another. A politician trading a vote for a donation is a classic example of this reciprocal exchange.

5. Which phrases, used in a text, have a function of clarification or specific definition? (Select all that apply)

I.e.

E.g.

Status quo

Vice versa

I.e. (id est) means 'that is,' used to clarify a definition. E.g. (exempli gratia) means 'for example,' used to clarify through specific instances.

Explanation

I.e. (id est) means 'that is,' used to clarify a definition. E.g. (exempli gratia) means 'for example,' used to clarify through specific instances.

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6. The French phrase 'savoir-faire' means 'the ability to act appropriately in any social situation,' or social _______.

Savoir-faire literally means 'to know how to do.' It implies sophisticated social skills and practical common sense, or a sense of social grace.

Explanation

Savoir-faire literally means 'to know how to do.' It implies sophisticated social skills and practical common sense, or a sense of social grace.

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7. Which sentence uses the French phrase 'fait accompli' (an accomplished fact) correctly?

The team hopes to win the tournament, but the final score is a fait accompli.

The team won the tournament yesterday, so the victory is a fait accompli.

The team must practice harder to make the victory a fait accompli.

The team decided to announce a fait accompli later this week.

Fait accompli refers to an action that is completed and irreversible. The victory has already happened, making it an unchangeable, accomplished fact.

Explanation

Fait accompli refers to an action that is completed and irreversible. The victory has already happened, making it an unchangeable, accomplished fact.

8. The phrase 'ad infinitum' (Latin) means 'to the end of time' and suggests something will eventually stop.

True

False

This is false. Ad infinitum means 'to infinity' or 'endlessly,' suggesting that something continues without limit or never stops.

Explanation

This is false. Ad infinitum means 'to infinity' or 'endlessly,' suggesting that something continues without limit or never stops.

9. The German term 'weltanschauung' refers to:

A sudden, sharp pain

A complex, scientific theory

A particular philosophy or world view

A large gathering of people

Weltanschauung means 'world view' in German. It refers to a person's or a group's comprehensive philosophical understanding of the world and their place in it.

Explanation

Weltanschauung means 'world view' in German. It refers to a person's or a group's comprehensive philosophical understanding of the world and their place in it.

10. Which phrases are used to signify an existing or current condition? (Select all that apply)

Status quo

In loco parentis

Ad nauseam

Sine qua non

Status quo means 'the existing state of affairs.' Sine qua non (that without which not) refers to an essential, necessary condition for something else to exist.

Explanation

Status quo means 'the existing state of affairs.' Sine qua non (that without which not) refers to an essential, necessary condition for something else to exist.

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11. The Latin phrase 'in flagrante delicto' is a legal term meaning that a person was caught in the act of committing a _______.

In flagrante delicto means 'in blazing offense.' It is used to describe someone who is caught red-handed while committing an illegal or improper action.

Explanation

In flagrante delicto means 'in blazing offense.' It is used to describe someone who is caught red-handed while committing an illegal or improper action.

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12. The French phrase 'au courant' means:

Completely out of style

Having the most up-to-date information

Feeling deeply saddened

Traveling to a new city

Au courant literally means 'in the current.' It is used to describe someone who is fully informed, up-to-date, or aware of current affairs or trends.

Explanation

Au courant literally means 'in the current.' It is used to describe someone who is fully informed, up-to-date, or aware of current affairs or trends.

13. The Latin phrase 'non sequitur' is used to describe a logical, well-reasoned conclusion.

True

False

This is false. Non sequitur means 'it does not follow.' It describes a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or premise.

Explanation

This is false. Non sequitur means 'it does not follow.' It describes a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or premise.

14. What does the Latin phrase 'de facto' imply in the sentence: 'The military leader became the de facto ruler of the country.'

The leader was the legally elected ruler.

The leader became the ruler by law, but without power.

The leader became the ruler in reality, though not officially by law.

The leader was only the temporary ruler for one day.

De facto means 'in fact' or 'in reality.' It refers to a situation that exists in practice, even if it is not officially recognized by law (de jure).

Explanation

De facto means 'in fact' or 'in reality.' It refers to a situation that exists in practice, even if it is not officially recognized by law (de jure).

15. Which phrases are used to describe something done for a specific, often immediate purpose? (Select all that apply)

Ad hoc

Ad infinitum

Sine qua non

Pro tempore

Ad hoc means 'for this purpose' (often temporary). Pro tempore means 'for the time being' (temporary or for a specific period).

Explanation

Ad hoc means 'for this purpose' (often temporary). Pro tempore means 'for the time being' (temporary or for a specific period).

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16. The French term 'esprit de corps' describes a feeling of unity, mutual support, and devotion among members of a shared _______.

Esprit de corps means 'spirit of the body.' It describes the collective morale, camaraderie, and dedication found within a group or team.

Explanation

Esprit de corps means 'spirit of the body.' It describes the collective morale, camaraderie, and dedication found within a group or team.

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17. The Latin phrase 'in camera' is used in law to mean that a meeting or hearing is held:

In the presence of the public

In the courtroom

In a secret, private setting

In a large, open auditorium

In camera means 'in a chamber.' It refers to a legal hearing or meeting held in private, away from the public and the press.

Explanation

In camera means 'in a chamber.' It refers to a legal hearing or meeting held in private, away from the public and the press.

18. The phrase 'terra incognita' (Latin) means 'known land' and refers to a highly developed area.

True

False

This is false. Terra incognita means 'unknown land.' It originally described unmapped areas and now means an unexplored or unfamiliar subject.

Explanation

This is false. Terra incognita means 'unknown land.' It originally described unmapped areas and now means an unexplored or unfamiliar subject.

19. What does the Latin phrase 'subpoena' primarily mean?

A request for voluntary attendance

An official document ordering a person to appear in court

A note of thanks to a judge

A formal resignation from a position

Subpoena literally means 'under penalty.' It is a formal, legal document requiring a person to appear in court or risk being penalized.

Explanation

Subpoena literally means 'under penalty.' It is a formal, legal document requiring a person to appear in court or risk being penalized.

20. Which phrases can be used to describe something that is absolutely essential? (Select all that apply)

Persona non grata

Sine qua non

Ad hoc

Carpe diem

Sine qua non means 'that without which not.' It refers to an indispensable or essential condition, element, or factor.

Explanation

Sine qua non means 'that without which not.' It refers to an indispensable or essential condition, element, or factor.

Advanced Usage: Understanding Nuanced and Academic Foreign Phrases Quiz