Carpe Diem: Common Latin Phrases Quiz

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Date:

Instructions: 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?

1.
What does the Latin phrase "carpe diem" mean in English?
A
Seize the night
B
Seize the day
C
Live for tomorrow
D
One day at a time
2.
When you write "etc." at the end of a list, what does the Latin phrase "et cetera" literally mean?
A
And so forth, endlessly
B
Among other things
C
And the rest
D
And likewise
3.
If something is true "per se," what does that Latin phrase mean?
A
By itself / in itself
B
According to the law
C
As a general rule
D
Without exception
4.
A lawyer who works "pro bono" is providing services in what way?
A
As part of a government contract
B
At a discounted rate for low-income clients
C
In exchange for future payment
D
Free of charge, for the public good
5.
What does "bona fide" mean when used to describe something genuine?
A
By the book
B
In good faith
C
Beyond all doubt
D
Above reproach
6.
If a speaker repeated the same argument "ad nauseam," how long did they go on?
A
Just long enough to make the point clear
B
Until the audience applauded
C
To a sickening or excessive degree
D
For exactly one hour
7.
When someone says "mea culpa," what are they admitting?
A
My fault / my mistake
B
I forgive you
C
We share the blame equally
D
The matter is now closed
8.
Politicians who promise to preserve the "status quo" want to preserve what?
A
The outcome of the most recent election
B
A written law or constitution
C
A tradition dating back to ancient times
D
The existing state of affairs
9.
When Americans fondly refer to their "alma mater," what are they talking about?
A
Their hometown or birthplace
B
A favorite song from their younger years
C
The school or university they attended
D
Their mother or grandmother
10.
When a historian writes "circa 1850" or "ca. 1850" before a date, what is being signaled?
A
The date is exact and fully verified
B
The date is approximate
C
The date is disputed among scholars
D
The event occurred before that year
11.
Medical headlines often mention "in vitro" experiments. What does "in vitro" literally mean?
A
In glass
B
In the body
C
In nature
D
In a sterile environment
12.
If we say "dogs chase cats, and vice versa," what does "vice versa" mean?
A
And sometimes the opposite is also true
B
And without exception on both sides
C
And in exactly the same manner
D
With the main items reversed
13.
In a "quid pro quo" arrangement, what takes place between the two parties?
A
A formal written contract is signed
B
Something is given in return for something else
C
A promise is made with no immediate obligation
D
A monetary payment settles the matter
14.
A "de facto" leader holds power in what way, compared to an officially recognized leader?
A
By formal appointment or election
B
By a democratic vote of the people
C
In practice or reality, though not officially recognized
D
By long-established legal tradition
15.
When a government officially declares a foreign diplomat "persona non grata," what must happen?
A
That diplomat is no longer welcome and must leave the country
B
The diplomat receives a formal warning and a reduced role
C
The diplomat is placed under house arrest pending a review
D
The diplomat is granted special protected status

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