On many occasions it is interesting to know part of history to understand the present and the future. And it is that nothing appears or is given by itself, but rather everything is framed by its historical trajectory and by its context. In fact, this is what happens with certain Latin locutions, that is, expressions and terms that are still alive today in the Spanish language, but that originate from Latin; a language that has disappeared but we must not forget that it is the mother of many languages that are currently spoken, including Spanish. And it is that Latin, as the great language that it was, has left many traces. Among them, certain Latin locutions that are still used -on many occasions in the most formal register or in the written language- although on occasions they are also used in an oral way on a day-to-day basis. Thus, so that you can enrich your vocabulary and understand the meaning of some of these Latin phrases, we present some examples of Latin phrases that continue to be present in current Spanish.
Instructions
- A priori – a posteriori: In the first place, we present two Latin phrases widely used in formal texts, although -especially the first- they are also used orally. In this sense, we have maintained its meaning and we use the locution a prori to refer to what goes from its cause to its effect. That is to say, it is applied relating the cause-effect, but without knowing the sure effect of something, but probable. In the case of a posteriori it would come to represent the opposite. Along these lines, we also use the a priori as a synonym for ‘in principle’. For example: A priori it seems that no damage has been done -they will have to see what the tests show-. some synonyms of this locution can be: previously, in advance, in advance, before, etc.
- Campus: In this case, we are talking about a Latin expression that has maintained its same meaning and, in fact, has been integrated into our daily lives and into our standard vocabulary in a natural and invariable way. Thus, it is very easy to recognize the meaning of this Latin phrase, since we use it today to refer to a university campus, scientific campus, student campus, etc. In this way, it continues to mean the same as in its origin, open and wide land in which a university area is framed
- Carpe Diem: This Latin phrase is also widely used by all of us on many occasions in daily life, especially when we want to encourage another person or ourselves; Its meaning is ‘live life’, ‘seize the moment’, ‘don’t waste time’. However, the poet Horace who already offered in Ancient Rome this message that is still very useful in modern times. In this case, it is linked to happiness, to living in the moment as if there were no tomorrow, it is definitive, to living each day to the fullest.
- Ego: In this case, it is a Latin phrase that is also widely used by all of us on a day-to-day basis. Thus, this term means ‘ I ‘; in psychology it is used in relation to all the characteristics linked to the person, that is, to everything that has to do with the ‘I’. In addition, as is well known, the word ‘ego’ is also used as part of other words, many more usual in popular language, such as egoism, egocentrism. etc. In this sense, it has been popularly framed in a more negative connotation, that is, to exalt excessive self-love.
- Idem: Again we are facing an expression derived from Latin but that is still valid today. In this case, the word idem means ‘the same’ or ‘the same’; for this reason, we use it to avoid repetitions, that is, it could replace some expression such as ‘me too’ or ‘me the same. In this way, it is true that perhaps it is not used as much orally as other previous expressions, but it is maintained in the written format.
- Red-handed: Surely another Latin phrase well known to all of us, although perhaps many do not know its origin or meaning. In this sense, this Latin adverbial locution means ‘at the very moment in which a negative-reprehensible action or a crime is being carried out/performing/commenting. Thus, at an oral level we use it a lot to talk about someone who has been ‘caught‘, caught, caught doing something they shouldn’t do. For example, to refer to infidelity: ‘They have caught her husband with another woman red- handed’.
- Mea culpa: In this sense, it is another of these Latin expressions that we still have in force today. Perhaps this is not expressed so much orally, but rather in writing, but the truth is that it is a locution that is still alive in today’s society. Thus, as is well known, it is used to blame oneself for some event and ask for forgiveness. Therefore, it expresses its own guilt in the face of some act that has been done badly; ‘ because of me‘.
What do you need:
- Interest in expanding your vocabulary.
- Constant review.
- Reading texts on different themes.
- Reflection.
- Time.
Tips
- Keep in mind that it is very interesting to know the origin and meaning of the words to use them well; Thus, if one day you want to write a formal text or you must develop a speech in a more formal tone, you can always resort to this type of expressions considered more cultured.