In our recent series of blogs, we unfolded the history how the English language has become the language of chaos. Chaos in the English language is what we know from the name of exceptions today. But, this is how we boast how big we are the scholar of this language.
Today, the English we know is riddled with numerous foreign words stolen from Latin, Greek, French, Dutch, Norman, German, Sanskrit, Hindi, Italian, Hebrew, and many others.
Today, whenever we read something in English, we see various phrases made from foreign language, especially Latin and French. As a reader, knowing meanings of these phrases becomes crucial so that we could understand the literature we are reading.
This post explains 10 foreign phrases that we often encounter in conversation or the source we read daily.
Ad Nauseam
“Ad Nauseam” is used as an adverb stemming from Latin which means “to a sickening or excessive degree.”
Example: Lisa shouted “don’t touch me” ad nauseam.
Bon voyage
Came from French, “bon voyage” is used as a noun meaning “have a nice trip.”
Example: My friends shouted bon voyage when I left for my vacation.
Bona fide
“Bona fide” is an adjective, came from the Latin language meaning “real or genuine.”
Example: Michael’s brother is a bona fide expert in swimming.
Carte blanche
“Carte blanche” is a noun originating from the French language and it means “authority or permission to do something the way one chooses to do it.”
Example: Emma had carte blanche to organize that party.
En masse
“En masse” means “a large group,” “as a single group,” or “all together.” It is used as an adverb and came from the French Language.
Example: People left the football stadium en masse once when Brazil lost the match.
Fait accompli
“Fait accompli” means “established fact” or “something that has been done and cannot be changed.” This phrase came from the French language and used as a noun.
Example: Morris was disappointed, but his lost in the election was a fait accompli.
Ipso facto
Originating from Latin, the phrase “Ipso facto” is used as an adverb which means “because of that fact” or “by the fact itself.”
Example: A manager, ipso facto, is in charge of his or her department.
Modus operandi
“Modus operandi” means “a usual way of doing something.” Came from Latin and used as a noun.
Example: My modus operandi when studying is to set achievable goals.
Persona non grata
“Persona non grata” means “an unacceptable person.” This Latin phrase is used as an adjective.
Example: He was a persona non grata in our school because he wouldn’t follow the rules.
Quid pro quo
“Quid pro quo” is a Latin phrase and used as a noun. It means “something for something” or “an equal exchange.”
Example: Helping someone in study gives a feeling like a quid pro quo.
Many such other phrases have taken their refuge in English speaking and writing. We know this fact better because we spend our full time in translating different documents. From birth certificate translation to professional certified translation, we do them all. For any translation help, call us at 888-670-3369.