ECCE HOMO III

Many Latin phrases have been incorporated into everyday English. More often used than understood, the following Latin expressions should sound familiar. But can you translate them?

1. Ad hominem

2. De facto

3. Et cetera

4. Alter ego

5. Veni, Vidi, Vici

6. Per se

7. In absentia

8. Vox populi 

9. Ipso facto

10. Prima facie

Answers:

 

1. Ad hominem - Attacking the person - Avoiding the issues of the argument and criticizing the person making the argument

 

2. De facto - In reality/As a matter of fact - Actual, what really happens - Being such in effect, though not expected or formally recognized - A de facto leader  

 

3. Et cetera - And others, and the rest, and so forth (etc.)

4. Alter ego - Alternate or other self - A different, secondary aspect of one's personality

 

5. Veni, Vidi, Vici - I came, I saw, I conquered - Caesar's boast about his conquest of Gaul - Bragging about an easy, complete victory

 

6. Per se - By, In, or Of itself - Taking something out of context to describe it in its own right 

 

7. In absentia - Not present at the event being referred to - A person may be convicted of a crime in absentia if he fails to appear in court.

 

8. Vox populi - Voice of the people - The opinions or beliefs of the majority 

 

9. Ipso facto - By the fact itself - An inevitable result as a consequence of an action - I drove the getaway car and ipso facto I'm an accessory 

 

10. Prima facie - At first sight - based on first impression - In law: Upon initial examination, a legal claim has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial or judgement.