Commonly Used Foreign Expressions in English Writing
Foreign Phrases
· General Knowledge
49 MCQs
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of 49 MCQs
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1
What does the Latin phrase 'Ad hoc' mean?
Answer:
For this specific purpose
Ad hoc literally means 'to this'. In English, it refers to something formed or done for a particular purpose only.
2
What does the Latin phrase 'Ad hominem' mean?
Answer:
To the man (attacking the person instead of the argument)
Ad hominem refers to an argument that attacks the character of the person rather than addressing the substance of their argument.
3
What does the Latin phrase 'Carpe diem' mean?
Answer:
Seize the day
Carpe diem is a Latin aphorism usually translated as 'seize the day', taken from book 1 of the Roman poet Horace's Odes.
4
What does the Latin phrase 'Et cetera' (etc.) mean?
Answer:
And the rest / And other things
Et cetera is Latin for 'and other similar things' or 'and the rest'.
5
What does the Latin phrase 'Exempli gratia' (e.g.) mean?
Answer:
For the sake of example
Exempli gratia means 'for the sake of example'. It is used to introduce examples.
6
What does the Latin phrase 'Id est' (i.e.) mean?
Answer:
That is / In other words
Id est means 'that is'. It is used to clarify a previous statement.
7
What does the Latin phrase 'Mea culpa' mean?
Answer:
My fault / I am to blame
Mea culpa is a Latin phrase that translates to 'through my fault'. It is an admission of having done something wrong.
8
What does the Latin phrase 'Per capita' mean?
Answer:
Per person / For each head
Per capita is a Latin term that translates to 'by head,' basically meaning 'average per person'.
9
What does the Latin phrase 'Per se' mean?
Answer:
In itself / By itself
Per se means 'by itself' or 'in itself'. It is used to distinguish between something in its own nature versus its relation to other things.
10
What does the Latin phrase 'Persona non grata' mean?
Answer:
An unwelcome person
Persona non grata literally means 'an unwelcome person'. It is often used in diplomacy.
11
What does the Latin phrase 'Pro bono' mean?
Answer:
For the public good (usually free work)
Pro bono publico (usually shortened to pro bono) means 'for the public good'. It usually refers to professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment.
12
What does the Latin phrase 'Quid pro quo' mean?
Answer:
Something for something (an exchange)
Quid pro quo means 'something for something'. It refers to an exchange of goods or services.
13
What does the Latin phrase 'Status quo' mean?
Answer:
The existing state of affairs
Status quo is a Latin phrase meaning the existing state of affairs, particularly with regard to social or political issues.
14
What does the Latin phrase 'Vice versa' mean?
Answer:
The other way around
Vice versa means 'the position being reversed' or 'the other way around'.
15
What does the Latin phrase 'Alma mater' mean?
Answer:
Nourishing mother (referring to one's school/university)
Alma mater implies 'nourishing mother'. It is used to refer to the school, college, or university that one formerly attended.
16
What does the French phrase 'C'est la vie' mean?
Answer:
That is the life / Such is life
C'est la vie means 'That's life' or 'Such is life', used to express acceptance or resignation in the face of a difficult situation.
17
What does the French phrase 'Carte blanche' mean?
Answer:
Complete freedom to act as one wishes
Carte blanche literally means 'blank paper'. In English, it means having complete freedom or authority to act.
18
What does the French phrase 'Déjà vu' mean?
Answer:
Already seen
Déjà vu is the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before. It literally means 'already seen'.
19
What does the French phrase 'Je ne sais quoi' mean?
Answer:
I do not know what (an elusive quality)
Je ne sais quoi means 'I don't know what'. It refers to a pleasing quality that cannot be exactly named or described.
20
What does the French phrase 'Laissez-faire' mean?
Answer:
Let do / Let it be (non-interference)
Laissez-faire is an economic system in which transactions between private parties are free from government intervention. It literally means 'allow to do'.
