Greek And Latin Borrowing Words Flashcards
in memoriam
In memory of.
magnum opus
A great work, especially the greatest achievement of an artist, composer, or writer.
memento mori
A reminder of mortality, especially a human skull symbolizing death.
habeas corpus
An order to bring a jailed person before a judge or court to find out if that person should really be in jail.
rigor mortis
The temporary rigidity of muscles that sets in after death.
ine qua non
An essential thing.
tabula rasa
(1) The mind in its blank or unmarked state before receiving any impressions from outside. (2) Something existing in its original pure state.
terra incognita
An unexplored country or field of knowledge.
acme
Highest point; summit, peak.
catharsis
A cleansing or purification of the body, emotions, or spirit.
colossus
(1) A gigantic statue. (2) A person or thing that resembles such a statue in size or activity or influence.
detritus
Loose material that results from disintegration; debris.
hoi polloi
The general population; the masses.
kudos
(1) Fame and renown that result from an achievement; prestige. (2) Praise.
onus
A disagreeable necessity or obligation; responsibility.
stigma
A mark of shame: stain.
ambrosia
(1) The food of the Greek and Roman gods. (2) Something extremely pleasant to taste or smell.
dogma
(1) Something treated as established and accepted opinion. (2) A principle or set of principles taught by a religious organization.
gratis
Without charge; free.
eureka
An exclamation used to express triumph and delight on a discovery.
per se
By, of, or in itself; as such.
opus
A creative work, especially a musical composition or set of compositions numbered in order of publication.
impetus
(1) A driving force or impulse; something that makes a person try or work hard; incentive. (2) Momentum.
thesis
(1) An opinion or proposition that a person presents and tries to prove by argument. (2) An extended paper that contains the results of original research, especially one written by a candidate for an academic degree.
apologia
A defense, especially of one’s own ideas, opinions, or actions.
atrium
(1) An open rectangular patio around which a house is built. (2) A court with a skylight in a many-storied building.
oligarchy
A government in which power is in the hands of a small group.
encomium
Glowing, enthusiastic praise, or an expression of such praise.
neurosis
A mental and emotional disorder that is less severe than a psychosis and may involve various pains, anxieties, or phobias.
opprobrium
(1) Something that brings disgrace. (2) A public disgrace that results from conduct considered wrong or bad.
referendum
(1) The referring of legislative measures to the voters for approval or rejection. (2) A vote on such a measure.
ultimatum
A final proposal, condition, or demand, especially one whose rejection will result in forceful action.
aegis
(1) Something that protects or defends; shield. (2) Sponsorship or guidance by an individual or organization.
charisma
(1) An extraordinary gift for leadership that attracts popular support and enthusiasm. (2) A special ability to attract or charm; magnetism.
ego
(1) A sense of confidence and satisfaction in oneself; self-esteem. (2) An exaggerated sense of self-importance.
ethos
The features, attitudes, moral code, or basic beliefs that define a person, a group, or an institution.
hubris
Unreasonable or unjustified pride or self-confidence.
id
The part of a person’s unconscious mind that relates to basic needs and desires.
libido
(1) Sexual drive. (2) In psychoanalytic theory, energy that is derived from primitive biological urges and is usually goal-oriented.
trauma
(1) A serious injury to the body. (2) An abnormal psychological state caused by mental or emotional stress or physical injury.
ad hoc
Formed or used for a particular purpose or for immediate needs.
ad hominem
Marked by an attack on an opponent’s character rather than by an answer to the arguments made or the issues raised.
alter ego
(1) A trusted friend or personal representative. (2) The opposite side of a personality.
de facto
Being such in practice or effect, although not formally recognized; actual.
quid pro quo
Something given or received for something else.
ex post facto
Done, made, or formulated after the fact.
modus operandi
A usual way of doing something.
modus vivendi
(1) A practical compromise or arrangement that is acceptable to all concerned. (2) A way of life.
a fortiori
All the more certainly.
a posteriori
Relating to or derived by reasoning from known or observed facts.
a priori
Relating to or derived by reasoning from self-evident propositions.
bona fide
(1) Made in good faith without deceit. (2) Authentic or genuine.
carpe diem
Enjoy the pleasures or opportunities of the moment without concern about the future.
caveat emptor
Let the buyer beware.
corpus delicti
(1) The substantial and basic fact or facts necessary to prove that a crime has been committed. (2) The material substance such as the murdered body, on which a crime has been committed.
curriculum vitae
A short summary of one’s career and qualifications typically prepared by an applicant for a position; résumé.
