Latin Phrases English Quiz

1. The Latin phrase 'e.g.' is used in English to introduce:

A contrasting idea

A list of examples

A concluding statement

A personal opinion

E.g. is the abbreviation for exempli gratia, which literally means 'for the sake of example.' It is correctly used to signal that a list of examples will follow the statement.

Explanation

E.g. is the abbreviation for exempli gratia, which literally means 'for the sake of example.' It is correctly used to signal that a list of examples will follow the statement.

2. The Latin phrase 'i.e.' is an abbreviation for id est, which translates to the English phrase _______.

I.e. means id est, which translates as 'that is' or 'in other words.' It is used to clarify or rephrase a previous statement with more precision.

Explanation

I.e. means id est, which translates as 'that is' or 'in other words.' It is used to clarify or rephrase a previous statement with more precision.

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3. When you see 'etc.' at the end of a list, it means the author is going to continue the list in the next sentence.

True

False

This is false. Etc. is short for et cetera, meaning 'and other things' or 'and so forth.' It indicates that the list is incomplete, and the author will not be listing more items.

Explanation

This is false. Etc. is short for et cetera, meaning 'and other things' or 'and so forth.' It indicates that the list is incomplete, and the author will not be listing more items.

4. What is the meaning of the Latin phrase 'vice versa' in the sentence: 'The students can learn from the teacher, and vice versa.'?

Something is happening for the first time

The situation is completely opposite

The same thing is happening in reverse

The information is unimportant

Vice versa literally means 'the other way around.' In this context, it means the teacher can also learn from the students, showing the same exchange happening in reverse.

Explanation

Vice versa literally means 'the other way around.' In this context, it means the teacher can also learn from the students, showing the same exchange happening in reverse.

5. Which sentences correctly use the Latin phrase 'per se' (meaning 'by itself')? (Select all that apply)

A bicycle, per se, is not a dangerous object.

We need a new bicycle per se to ride today.

The color, per se, is not the problem; it is the texture.

The dog, per se, is always the one barking at the door.

Per se means 'in or by itself.' A is correct because the bicycle, by itself, is not dangerous. C is correct because the color, viewed independently, is not the problem.

Explanation

Per se means 'in or by itself.' A is correct because the bicycle, by itself, is not dangerous. C is correct because the color, viewed independently, is not the problem.

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6. The Latin phrase 'status quo' refers to the existing state of _______.

Status quo literally means 'the state in which.' It is used to describe the current, existing condition or state of things, often regarding politics or social issues.

Explanation

Status quo literally means 'the state in which.' It is used to describe the current, existing condition or state of things, often regarding politics or social issues.

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7. The Latin phrase 'quid pro quo' means:

Something for nothing

Something for something else

For the public good

For this specific purpose

Quid pro quo means 'something for something.' It describes an exchange or a deal where an equal return or service is expected for something given.

Explanation

Quid pro quo means 'something for something.' It describes an exchange or a deal where an equal return or service is expected for something given.

8. Ad hoc' describes something that was planned far in advance and is permanent.

True

False

This is false. Ad hoc means 'for this purpose,' describing something created or done immediately for one specific, often temporary, reason.

Explanation

This is false. Ad hoc means 'for this purpose,' describing something created or done immediately for one specific, often temporary, reason.

9. Which English phrase has the same meaning as the Latin phrase 'pro bono'?

For personal profit

For a specific payment

For the public good

In a secretive manner

Pro bono is short for pro bono publico, meaning 'for the public good.' It refers to work undertaken, especially legal work, without charge.

Explanation

Pro bono is short for pro bono publico, meaning 'for the public good.' It refers to work undertaken, especially legal work, without charge.

10. Which Latin abbreviations are used to specify time? (Select all that apply)

Etc.

A.M.

I.e.

P.M.

A.M. (ante meridiem) means 'before noon.' P.M. (post meridiem) means 'after noon.' Both are used to specify time of day.

Explanation

A.M. (ante meridiem) means 'before noon.' P.M. (post meridiem) means 'after noon.' Both are used to specify time of day.

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11. The Latin phrase 'carpe diem' is translated into English as _______.

Carpe diem is a famous phrase meaning 'seize the day,' which encourages someone to live in the moment and make the most of the present time.

Explanation

Carpe diem is a famous phrase meaning 'seize the day,' which encourages someone to live in the moment and make the most of the present time.

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12. The Latin phrase 'et al.' is used in academic writing to indicate:

The author made a mistake

There are additional authors not listed

The book is very long

The author's opinion is coming next

Et al. is short for et alii (masculine plural) or et aliae (feminine plural), meaning 'and others.' It is used when citing a source with many authors to avoid listing every name.

Explanation

Et al. is short for et alii (masculine plural) or et aliae (feminine plural), meaning 'and others.' It is used when citing a source with many authors to avoid listing every name.

13. If a story uses the Latin phrase 'alter ego' (meaning 'other self'), it usually refers to a character's public, normal personality.

True

False

This is false. An alter ego is the opposite or secondary personality of a person, often a hidden or separate identity, not the main public one.

Explanation

This is false. An alter ego is the opposite or secondary personality of a person, often a hidden or separate identity, not the main public one.

14. What does the Latin phrase 'bona fide' mean in the sentence: 'The offer they made was bona fide and not a trick.'?

Very confusing

Not officially confirmed

Genuine or in good faith

Highly profitable

Bona fide means 'in good faith' or 'genuine.' It is used to describe something that is sincere, real, or authentic.

Explanation

Bona fide means 'in good faith' or 'genuine.' It is used to describe something that is sincere, real, or authentic.

15. Which statements about the Latin phrase 'alma mater' are true? (Select all that apply)

It means 'nourishing mother.'

It is used to refer to a person's home country.

It is the school or university a person attended.

It means 'other self.'

Alma mater literally means 'nourishing mother.' It is the term used to refer to the school, college, or university from which one graduated.

Explanation

Alma mater literally means 'nourishing mother.' It is the term used to refer to the school, college, or university from which one graduated.

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16. The Latin phrase 'tabula rasa' is used to describe a mind that is considered a blank _______.

Tabula rasa means 'scraped tablet.' It is used metaphorically to describe a mind or a situation that is initially empty, without any pre-conceived ideas or knowledge.

Explanation

Tabula rasa means 'scraped tablet.' It is used metaphorically to describe a mind or a situation that is initially empty, without any pre-conceived ideas or knowledge.

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17. The Latin phrase 'persona non grata' is used in diplomacy to mean:

A respected visitor

An unwelcome person

A highly skilled official

A foreign diplomat

Persona non grata means 'unwelcome person.' It is a diplomatic term for a foreign person whose presence in a country is considered unacceptable.

Explanation

Persona non grata means 'unwelcome person.' It is a diplomatic term for a foreign person whose presence in a country is considered unacceptable.

18. The Latin phrase 'in loco parentis' means that one adult is taking the place of a parent temporarily.

True

False

This is true. In loco parentis means 'in the place of a parent' and describes the legal responsibility of an adult (like a teacher) to care for a minor when the parent is absent.

Explanation

This is true. In loco parentis means 'in the place of a parent' and describes the legal responsibility of an adult (like a teacher) to care for a minor when the parent is absent.

19. What is the meaning of the Latin phrase 'mea culpa'?

My responsibility

My decision

My fault

My success

Mea culpa means 'my fault.' It is an acknowledgment of one's own error or guilt.

Explanation

Mea culpa means 'my fault.' It is an acknowledgment of one's own error or guilt.

20. Which phrases correctly use the abbreviation 'i.e.' (in other words)? (Select all that apply)

The weather is cold, i.e., wear a coat.

The dog is a Labrador, i.e., he is a golden retriever.

I study biology, i.e., the study of living things.

He is nocturnal, i.e., he is most active at night.

I.e. is used to clarify the definition of the first term. C clarifies biology, and D clarifies nocturnal. A is a suggestion, not a clarification. B is factually incorrect as Labradors are not always Golden Retrievers.

Explanation

I.e. is used to clarify the definition of the first term. C clarifies biology, and D clarifies nocturnal. A is a suggestion, not a clarification. B is factually incorrect as Labradors are not always Golden Retrievers.

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Language Recognition: Recognizing Common Latin Phrases Used in English Quiz