List of Use the correct foreign expression
- Ad hoc – For a specific purpose or situation.
- Ad infinitum – Endless, without limit.
- Ad nauseam – To a point of disgust or repetition.
- A la carte – Ordering individual dishes from a menu rather than a set meal.
- A priori – Based on theoretical deduction rather than empirical evidence.
- Al dente – Cooked to be firm to the bite (used for pasta).
- Amicus curiae – A person or group not a party to a case who offers information or expertise.
- Carpe diem – Seize the day; make the most of the present moment.
- Caveat emptor – Let the buyer beware; the buyer is responsible for checking the quality.
- De facto – In fact, whether legally recognized or not.
- De jure – By law; officially recognized.
- E.g. – For example (from Latin exempli gratia).
- Et al. – And others (used in academic citations).
- Etc. – And so on (from Latin et cetera).
- Fait accompli – A thing that has already been done and cannot be changed.
- Faux pas – A social blunder or mistake.
- Ibidem (ibid.) – In the same place; used in citations.
- Id est (i.e.) – That is; used to clarify or explain (from Latin id est).
- In situ – In the original place or position.
- In vitro – In an artificial environment outside a living organism.
- In vivo – Within a living organism.
- Inter alia – Among other things.
- Je ne sais quoi – An indescribable quality that makes something unique.
- Modus operandi – A method of operating or working.
- N.B. (Nota bene) – Note well; pay attention to.
- Per capita – Per person; often used in statistical contexts.
- Per se – By itself; intrinsically.
- Post hoc – After the event; often used in logical fallacies.
- Prima facie – At first glance; based on initial impression.
- Pro bono – For the public good; often used for free legal work.
- Pro rata – In proportion; according to a specific rate.
- Quid pro quo – Something for something; an exchange of goods or services.
- Raison d’être – The most important reason or purpose for someone or something.
- Rendezvous – A meeting at a specified time and place.
- Savoir-faire – The ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations.
- Status quo – The existing state or condition.
- Sub poena – A legal document ordering someone to attend court.
- Sui generis – Unique or in a class of its own.
- Tabula rasa – A clean slate; a fresh start.
- Terra firma – Solid ground; stable land.
- Ad hominem – Directed against a person rather than their argument.
- Alumnus – A graduate or former student of a specific school.
- Cliché – An overused expression or idea.
- Déjà vu – The feeling that something has been experienced before.
- Doppelgänger – A non-biological look-alike or double of a person.
- Exhibit A – A primary piece of evidence.
- Gourmet – A connoisseur of fine food and drink.
- Kudos – Praise or acclaim for an achievement.
- Laissez-faire – A policy of non-interference in business.
- Liaison – A link or connection between people or groups.
- Memento – An object kept as a reminder of a person or event.
- Nom de plume – A pen name; a pseudonym used by authors.
- Pantomime – A dramatic entertainment where performers express meaning through gestures.
- Quotidian – Everyday; mundane.
- Renaissance – A revival of art and literature under the influence of classical models.
- Sycophant – A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important.
- Tête-à-tête – A private conversation between two people.
- Vicarious – Experienced through another person’s actions.
- Vis-à-vis – In relation to; face-to-face.
- Wanderlust – A strong desire to travel.
- Zeitgeist – The defining spirit or mood of a particular period in history.
- Aficionado – An enthusiast or admirer of a particular subject.
- Bona fide – Genuine; real.
- Coup d’état – A sudden, illegal seizure of government power.
- Ebullient – Overflowing with enthusiasm or excitement.
- Finesse – Skillful handling of a situation.
- Gaffe – A social mistake or blunder.
- Habeas corpus – A legal principle that protects against unlawful detention.
- Intermezzo – A short, light dramatic or musical performance.
- Lament – An expression of grief or sorrow.
- Magnanimous – Very generous or forgiving.
- Nostalgia – A sentimental longing for the past.
- Opus – A musical or literary work.
- Panacea – A solution or remedy for all problems.
- Quintessential – Representing the most perfect or typical example.
- Rhetoric – The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
- Savoir-faire – The ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations.
- Temerity – Excessive confidence or boldness.
- Ubiquitous – Present or found everywhere.
- Vanguard – The forefront of an action or movement.
- Wistful – Longing or yearning in a melancholic way.
- Yen – A strong desire or craving.
- Zephyr – A gentle, mild breeze.
- A la mode – In the fashion; also a term for a dessert style.
- Coup de grâce – A decisive finishing blow.
- Détente – The easing of strained relations.
- Fête – A celebration or festival.
- Glimpse – A brief or hurried view.
- Hypothetical – Based on or involving a hypothesis or assumption.
- Innuendo – An indirect or subtle remark, usually suggestive.
- Jubilee – A special anniversary or celebration.
- Lurk – To remain hidden, often with sinister intent.
- Monologue – A long speech by one person in a play or film.
- Nouveau riche – A person who has recently acquired wealth.
- Ostentatious – Showy or pretentious display meant to attract attention.
- Penultimate – Second to last.
- Quandary – A state of uncertainty or perplexity.
- Repertoire – A stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or a person is prepared to perform.
- Sycophant – A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important.
- Turbulence – Unpredictable or violent movement of air or water.
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