ECCE HOMO I

GAMES Magazine

May, 1983

Myrtle Keely

 

Many Latin phrases are a part of everyday speech. More often used that understood, the following Latin expressions should sound familiar. But can you translate them?

1. A priori

2. Carpe diem

3. Magnum opus

4. Quid pro quo

5. Modus operandi

6. Ad hoc

7. Cogito ergo sum

8. Sine qua non

9. Pro bono

10. In loco parentis

Answers:

 

1. A priori - "From what is earlier" - Knowledge gained by deductive reasoning / Presumptive

2. Carpe diem - "Seize the day" - Make the best of every opportunity

 

3. Magnum opus - "Major work" - As a novel, symphony, etc.

4. Quid pro quo - "This for that" - A favor for a favor, compensation

5. Modus operandi - "Method of operation" - often said of criminals (MO)

6. Ad hoc - "For this"  - As a committee appointed for a particular purpose

 

7. Cogito ergo sum - "I think, therefore I am" - Descartes' proof of physical existence

 

8. Sine qua non - "Without which not" - a necessity, an essential component

 

9. Pro bono - "For the good" - Often said of lawyers who donate their services

 

10. In loco parentis - "In the place of a parent" - as a teacher or other adult responsible for children