Latin Phrase Match Trivia Quiz

Answer: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews

Whether or not the phrase was actually written above Jesus' head when he was crucified is a matter of debate, but the initials INRI are often included in modern depictions of Jesus' crucifixion in many churches all over the world. It was seen as a phrase mocking his claim to be the Messiah and King of the Jews.

Answer: Out of many, one

The phrase has been used as the unofficial motto of the United States. It is not coincidental that the phrase contains exactly thirteen letters, representing the thirteen original colonies of the United States. The origin of the phrase as the American motto followed the union of the thirteen colonies into one new country - out of many, one.

Answer: That which was to be demonstrated

The phrase is often used following mathematical proofs. In many academic mathematical circles, a theorem or hypothesis is presented, followed by its long form proof. When the proof is satisfied, the initials QED, standing for the Latin phrase above, is inserted to show that the steps demonstrate that the theorem has been proven.

Answer: Remember your death

The phrase is a solemn reminder that everyone's death is inevitable and was adopted in both classical antiquity and early Christianity as a motto that accompanied funerary art. It does well to put all problems in perspective by remembering the phrase and living life to the fullest, even if it hard to remember during the day to day struggle :)

Answer: Seize the Day

The exact literal translation of the phrase would be closer to "Pluck the day as it is ripe". A popular modern depiction of the phrase was listed as the 95th greatest quote in movie history by the American Film Institute after its appearance in the 1989 film "Dead Poets Society", delivered by English teacher John Keating (played by the late Robin Williams).

Answer: Time Flies

The phrase is a common motto on both timepieces and clocks, although its usage has decreased in recent years. The phrase was first used in Book 3 of "Georgics", a poem by Roman poet Virgil which focused on agriculture.

Answer: God From the Machine

The most common modern usage of the phrase is with reference to a plot device in any narrative work that seems to solve seemingly unresolvable in a way that lacks proper sequential credibility. For instance, a protagonist facing major debt to mobsters and the loss of his house through a series of extreme misfortune winning the lottery would be characterized as a "deus ex machina" - resolving all issues through an act of God.

Answer: Blank Slate

The phrase is used in philosophy to refer to the idea that individuals are born without any built-in mental bias or experience, and that all personality, knowledge, and beliefs are due to one's environment. This is effectively the most extreme stance on the "nurture" side of the "nature vs. nurture debate", implying that no human traits are innate.

Answer: Buyer Beware

The phrase is used as a reminder for the information asymmetry between buyers and sellers. In game theory and information economics, the assumption is that any potential known defects are known only to the seller, so the buyer must always take proper contract and warranty precautions to ensure protection of their asset.

In the case where the good is marketed as "caveat emptor", the buyer has no legal claim following any defects, as they are prewarned that their purchase carries risk.

Answer: Voice of the People

The phrase is meant as a substitute for "public opinion". An extension of the phrase, "vox populi, vox dei", or "the voice of the people is the voice of God" is an old proverb that is said to have been used by Charlemagne. "Man on the street" interviews (MOTS) in modern day journalism are also referred to as "vox pop", in reference to the phrase.