English Grammar and correct usage test - Jan 5, 2015
In the English language one can find words and phrases imported from many other languages. They make English richer and more expressive. Write down the meanings of the phrases below.1. Ab initio a. From the beginning
b. From the origin
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: a. From the beginning
It is a Latin phrase literally meaning from the beginning.
2. Ad hoca. For a special purpose
b. For general purpose
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: a. For a special purpose
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning for this, usually refers to a solution designed for a specific task.
3. Alma matera. My mother
b. The university, school, or college that one formerly attended
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: b. The university, school, or college that one formerly attended
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning dear mother. But gradually it has come to refer to the institute one has attended previously.
4. Alter egoa. One's heightened pride
b. One's alternative personality
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: b. One's alternative personality
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning another one. But in English it refers to the secondary personality of the same person.
5. Anno Dominia. After Christ
b. In the year of the Lord
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: b. In the year of the Lord
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning in the year of the/our Lord, is used to refer to the years after the traditionally reckoned year of the birth of Christ
6. Ante Meridiema. Before noon
b. After noon
Bona fide
a. Benefit
b. In good faith
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: a. Before noon
b. In good faith
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning good faith, is used to refer to sincere and good intentions. It is usually used in case of official documents declaring one to be a lawful member of an institution or organization.
7. De factoa. By right
b. In fact
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: b. In fact
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning concerning fact, is used to mean something that is really in practice, but has not been officially instituted or approved.
8. Modus Operandia. Method of working
b. Mood of working
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: a. Method of working
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning manner of operation, is used to refer to a particular style of doing something.
9. Status quoa. Existing state of affairs
b. High social status
View Answer / Hide Answer ANSWER: a. Existing state of affairs
Explanation: Latin phrase, literally meaning the state in which, is used to refer to the present condition of something.
