Posts Tagged ‘foreign phrases in english’

Foreign phrases in English

October 6th, 2015 in Words

English language has borrowed numerous words and phrases from foreign languages. Today, many of these words/phrases are an integral part of the English vocabulary. Here is a quick overview of foreign phrases in English.

Ab initio (Latin): from the beginning

Ad hoc (Latin): Made for this particular purpose

Ad infinitum (Latin): to infinity

Agent provocateur (French): This phrase is used to refer to a person who encourages a suspected criminal to commit a crime so that they can be caught and convicted.

Alfresco (Italian): in the open air

Amour proper (French): self-respect

Annus mirabilis (Latin): a remarkable or auspicious year

Au courant (French): well informed

Au fait (French): having a good knowledge

Au fond (French) in essence

Au naturel (French): in the most natural way

Beau ideal (French): ideal beauty

Beau monde (French): fashionable society

Bête noire (French): a person or a thing that you particularly dislike

Blitzkrieg (German): a violent military campaign launched with the objective of bringing about a swift victory

Bona fide (Latin): genuine; real

Bon vivant (French): a person with a sociable and luxurious lifestyle

Carpe diem (Latin): seize the day

Carte blanche (French): complete freedom to act as you wish

Caveat emptor (Latin): let the buyer beware

De facto (Latin): whether by right or not

Déjà vu (French): the sense of having experienced the present situation before

De jure (Latin): rightful; by right