Latin Terms Still Used Today

 

Although many people think Latin is a “dead language” because it is no longer spoken, does not create new words, and does not change, the Roman language lives on in several areas. Law and medicine both have their roots in our Roman heritage and use Latin terms. Latin also lives on in science and music.

Can you define any of these Latin terms?

 

 


 

Law:

1.     de facto

2.     bona fide

3.     de jure

4.     habeas corpus

5.     status quo

6.     prima facie

7.     cui bono

8.     ex post facto

9.     nolo contendere

10. pro bono

 

 

Medicine

(suffix –ology or –ics means “the study of”):

1.     anesthesiology

2.     cardiology

3.     dermatology

4.     audiology

5.     pediatrics

6.     neurology

7.     orthopedics

8.     radiology

9.     urology

10.  geriatrics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music:

1.     alto

2.     piano

3.     forte

4.     tenor

5.     soprano

 

 

Other:

1.     quid pro quo

2.     gratis

3.     et cetera (etc.)

4.     persona non grata

5.     per capita

 

 

     * * * * * * * *

 

·        Can you explain why these Latin terms continue to be used?

·        What are the advantages of a dead language in these professions?

·        Are there any disadvantages?


 

 

Latin Terms Still Used Today – Answer Key

 


 

 

Law

  1. actually
  2. authentic
  3. according to law
  4. a writ issued to bring a person before a judge
  5. existing condition
  6. obvious
  7. advantage which determines value
  8. retroactive
  9. accused does not admit guilt and offers no defense to charges
  10.  for public good

 

Music

1.     low female voice

2.     soft

3.     loud

4.     highest adult male voice

highest woman’s or boy’s voice