These beautiful and useful Latin phrases can make you seem smarter too.
The cornerstone of many European languages, Latin is both fun and useful. It can also make you seem smarter. These are some phrases that can come handy.
Carpe Diem
This was the phrase that Robin Williams' character harnessed to stir up his students in Dead Poets Society. 'Seize the day' is what it means. Lip it as a battle cry before you launch into the daily grind of making a living.
Not a morning/day person you say. Take to its mirror alternative: Carpe Noctem, which means 'Seize the night', as you blaze through the late hours.
Ex Nihilo Nihil Fit
It stands to mean nothing ventured; nothing gained but of course in more fanciful drapery. A literal translation will give: 'Out of nothing, nothing happens'.
It's such a useful axiom to awaken yourself as we all know all too very well that nothing in life is easy to come by.
Audere est Facere
Once the above rolls off your tongue with ease, set yourself up a notch while upping the tempo at stake. When in doubt of undertaking a doubtful venture, more so in matters of love, utter these majestic words, which dates all the way back to the Middle Ages and means 'To do is to dare'.
Sports aficionados may note that this is the motto of Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Semper Fidelis
Semper is forever in Latin, and it has given rise to quite a few Latin phrases. Meaning 'Always faithful', it's the motto of the US Marine Corps and that of the city of Exeter, UK.
Another famous motto with Semper is adopted by the US Coast Guards is Semper Paratus (Always Ready).
Amor Omnia Vincit
Your eyes must have twinkled with recognition of the first word. Yes, it's 'love' alright, and as it means in its entirety, love (indeed) conquers all.
Alis Propriis Volat
Girls/ladies/woman claiming their independence onto themselves must balance this proclamation on the tip of their tongues. If 'She flies with her own wings', she should announce it with a flourish.
Though the actual phrase is gender independent, it gets translated as 'she' as this was a motto of nations which are generally ascribed as feminine.
Salve
As we leave you Bona Fide (With good faith), let us bid you salve.
Now, as with many cultures, this can stand both for hello or goodbye, depending on the intention.
After all, a fancy start must be concluded with a fancy ending!
