Latin Lives On

How Latin Words Shape the English Language

Even though Latin is considered a “dead language” (meaning it's no longer spoken in daily life), it’s very much alive in the English we speak every day! From everyday words to fancy academic vocabulary and even phrases we use, Latin has left a huge mark on English.

Let’s take a closer look!

1.    Everyday Words with Latin Roots

You might not realize it, but you use Latin-based words all the time! Here are just a few: a video, a manual, a library, an animal, a family

2. Academic and Formal Vocabulary

Latin is especially common in academic, legal, and scientific contexts. That’s why some formal English sounds… a bit like magic spells!

Examples: audible, circumference, benevolent, invisible

Download and study a list of 200 such words at C1-C2 level. Then, try the exercises at the end of this article.

3. Latin Phrases Still Used Today

Some Latin expressions are still used as they are in English. You’ve probably seen or heard these before:

Latin Phrase	Meaning	Example
e.g. (exempli gratia)	for example	“You should eat more vegetables, e.g. spinach and broccoli.”
i.e. (id est)	that is / in other words	“I’m a vegetarian, i.e. I don’t eat meat.”
etc. (et cetera)	and so on	“We bought fruit: apples, bananas, oranges, etc.”
per se	by itself / inherently	“It’s not a bad idea per se, but it needs work.”
ad hoc	for this specific purpose	“We formed an ad hoc committee to solve the issue.”
vice versa	the other way around	“She helps me with French, and vice versa.”
status quo	the current state of things	“They wanted to keep the status quo.”
persona non grata	an unwelcome person	“After the scandal, he was considered persona non grata.”
de facto	in practice / in reality	“He’s the de facto leader, even if he has no title.”
de jure	by law	“Slavery was de jure illegal, but still practiced.”
pro bono	done for free (usually legal work)	“She offered her services pro bono.”
carpe diem	seize the day	“Stop worrying and carpe diem!”
caveat emptor	let the buyer beware	“There’s no warranty—caveat emptor.”
in vitro	in glass / in the lab	“The results were found in vitro.”
in vivo	in a living organism	“The drug was tested in vivo.”
bona fide	genuine / in good faith	“It’s a bona fide antique.”
curriculum vitae (CV)	course of life (resume)	“Send us your curriculum vitae.”
alma mater	nourishing mother (your university)	“Harvard is his alma mater.”
modus operandi (M.O.)	method of working	“The thief had a clear M.O.”

4. Why Does English Use So Much Latin?

Latin came into English mainly through French after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Latin was also the language of the church, law, and science for centuries. That’s why English has two layers:

• Old English/Saxon-Based Words are typically shorter, simpler, and more conversational, making them ideal for informal speaking and everyday writing. (like house, water, fire)

• Latin-Based Words often sound more formal and academic, making them useful in written essays, professional reports, and academic discourse. (like residence, liquid, ignition)

EXERCISES:

1) Match the Latin-based word with its Old English/Saxon-based equivalent.

Latin-Based Word	Old English/Saxon-Based Word
1. eliminate	A. join
2. compensate	B. study
3. generate	C. create
4. implement	D. small
5. participate	E. help
6. analyze	F. remove
7. facilitate	G. assist
8. validate	H. bargain
9. negligible	I. pay
10. negotiate	J. confirm

2) Complete the sentences with the correct word from the list. Each sentence has a Latin-based word and a corresponding Old English/Saxon-based word. Choose the correct one based on the context.

1. She was able to __________ the issue quickly, preventing further complications. (facilitate / help)

2. The committee needs to __________ the data before making a decision. (analyze / study)

3. We will need to __________ the project plan and make adjustments to meet the new deadline. (implement / help)

4. His advice was __________ in overcoming the challenges we faced. (valuable / good)

5. The technician used advanced tools to __________ the issue with the machine. (diagnose / find)

6. I’m sure that this product will __________ sales significantly. (generate / create)

7. The judge asked the lawyer to __________ the evidence before the court session. (present / show)

8. The offer was so tempting that I could not __________ it. (refuse / reject)

9. We must __________ all unnecessary steps to streamline the process. (eliminate / remove)

10. The teacher will __________ the importance of the topic during the lecture. (explain / show)

3) Create a sentence using the following pairs of Latin-based and Old English/Saxon-based words. The sentences should demonstrate the proper context for each word.

1. optimize / improve

2. negligible / small

3. delegate / assign

4. correspond / match

5. assert / declare

6. innovate / create

7. manipulate / control

8. consolidate / strengthen

9. clarify / make clear

10. validate / confirm

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