Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz
1 / 15What does the Latin phrase "carpe diem" mean in English?
About Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz
Latin may be an ancient tongue, but its phrases echo through everyday English in law, medicine, science, and conversation — how many of these familiar expressions do you know? Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz packs 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. What does the Latin phrase "carpe diem" mean in English?
Answer: Seize the day
"Carpe diem" comes from the Roman poet Horace (23 BC) and literally means "pluck the day" — much like harvesting ripe fruit before it spoils.
2. When you write "etc." at the end of a list, what does the Latin phrase "et cetera" literally mean?
Answer: And the rest
"Et cetera" combines the Latin words "et" (and) and "cetera" (the rest), signaling that a list continues with more similar items.
3. If something is true "per se," what does that Latin phrase mean?
Answer: By itself / in itself
"Per se" means "through itself" in Latin, and is used in English to indicate that something is being considered on its own, apart from other factors.
4. A lawyer who works "pro bono" is providing services in what way?
Answer: Free of charge, for the public good
"Pro bono" is short for the Latin "pro bono publico" — "for the public good" — and describes professional work done voluntarily and without payment.
5. What does "bona fide" mean when used to describe something genuine?
Answer: In good faith
"Bona fide" literally means "with good faith" in Latin and certifies that something is authentic and made with honest intentions — not a forgery or deception.
Things you'll learn along the way
- The Latin word "nausea" referred to seasickness, so "ad nauseam" vividly describes going on so long that the listener starts to feel queasy.
- "Mea culpa" comes from the Latin Confiteor prayer of the Catholic Mass, where worshippers strike their chest and say "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault."
- "Status quo" is Latin for "the state in which," and in English it refers to the existing state of affairs — the way things currently are. (The longer form "status quo ante" adds "ante" to mean the state of things as they were before, as in "status quo ante bellum.")
Frequently asked questions
Is Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz take?
Most players finish Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz?
If you enjoyed this memory games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Explore related topics
More Memory Games
What's the Slogan? Famous Ad Taglines Quiz
From catchy jingles to unforgettable one-liners, see how many of America's most iconic advertising slogans you can match to their brand — these classics from the 1950s through the 1990s are burned into the memory of anyone who watched television during those golden decades.
Ancient Ruins Quiz
Journey through the world's most fascinating ancient ruins and test your knowledge of these timeless wonders.
Bathroom Items Quiz
How well do you know common bathroom items and toiletries? Test your everyday knowledge!
Canal & Waterway Quiz
Navigate through questions about the world's most famous canals and waterways, from ancient irrigation to modern shipping routes.
Everyday Memory Test
How well do you remember the little details of everyday life? Test your recall of common objects, signs, and symbols you see all the time!
Try Word Games
Latin Phrases
Common Latin phrases used in English and their meanings
Try Word Games
Everyday Phrases From the Bible
Discover how many common sayings — like "the writing on the wall" and "a drop in the bucket" — actually come straight from the pages of Scripture.
Try Memory Games
Cultural Taboos Quiz
How well do you know the do's and don'ts of different cultures around the world?