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It's All 'Latin' to Me Trivia Quiz
How familiar are you with some of the Latin phrases that are used in English? Test your Latin expertise with this quiz. Choices in quotes are actual Latin translations (or my own fractured inventions designed to fool you).
A multiple-choice quiz
by jellow_10.
Estimated time: 4 mins.
Of course, your alma mater is the school or university from which you've graduated.
2. Mea culpa
Answer: taking the blame
In Latin, mea culpa means 'my fault' or 'my blame.'
3. In vitro
Answer: 'in glass'
The term is used to refer to laboratory experiments because they are often carried out in glass containers.
4. E pluribus unum
Answer: 'out of many, one'
It is the motto of the United States and is found on the Great Seal and on U.S. currency. It refers to the Union formed by the separate states.
5. Ibid(em)
Answer: 'in the same place'
It is used in footnotes and bibliographies to refer to the source cited in the previous entry.
6. Pro forma
Answer: satisfying only the minimum requirements
Children might make their beds pro forma by just throwing the spread or comforter over the sheets.
7. Ante-bellum
Answer: 'before the war'
Often used to describe houses built 30-40 years before the American Civil War.
8. In loco parentis
Answer: to assume the duties and responsibilities of a parent
Literally means 'in the place of a parent.' At one time colleges and universities acted in loco parentis for their students.
9. Nolo contendere
Answer: neither admitting guilt or claiming innocence
Commonly known as a no-contest plea.
10. Sine qua non
Answer: the essential ingredient
The Latin translation is 'without which nothing.'
11. Sic
Answer: an apparent error is quoted and is not an editorial mistake
If a newspaper were quoting someone who spoke in error, it might look like this. John Smith said, 'I will be backing John(sic) W. Bush all the way.'
12. Ex post facto
Answer: an explanation concocted after an event, sometimes misleading
Latin translation is 'after the deed.'
13. Ad hoc
Answer: created for a particular occasion
Latin translation is 'toward this (matter).' The term is often used to refer to committees formed to address a specific or short-term issue.
14. Non sequitur
Answer: a thought that does not logically follow
Latin translation is: 'It does not follow.'
15. Non compos mentis
Answer: out of one's mind so not legally responsible
From Latin meaning 'not having control of the mind.'
16. Quid pro quo
Answer: a fair exchange
This phrase is often used in {diplomacy;} from Latin meaning 'something for something.'
17. Per capita
Answer: 'by heads'
We use this phrase any time we measure something for each person.
18. Caveat emptor
Answer: be alert to the possibility of being cheated
Latin for 'Let the buyer beware.'
19. Carpe diem
Answer: take advantage of opportunities
Carpe diem literally means 'seize the day.'
20. Habeas corpus
Answer: an accused person must be presented physically in court and given sufficient cause for arrest
Latin translation is 'You may have the body.' It means that no one can be imprisoned indefinitely without appearing in court and having charges formally made against him or her.
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