Latin Mottos and Phrases in Modern Life
Translate and analyze famous Latin phrases: e pluribus unum, carpe diem, senatus populusque romanus (SPQR), and others.
A lesson of Latin A1 — Beginner, in Reading Latin, about 10 minutes.
By the end of this lesson, you will analyze and translate famous Latin phrases still used today, connecting the grammar you have learned to living Latin in the modern world.
Latin Is Not Dead
Latin was declared a "dead language" centuries ago, but it lives on everywhere:
- Government and legal systems (habeas corpus, in absentia, prima facie)
- Science and medicine (homo sapiens, carcinoma, veni, vidi, vici)
- Universities (magna cum laude, summa cum laude, alma mater)
- National mottos (E pluribus unum, Annuit coeptis)
- Sports teams, school crests, and military units worldwide
Recognizing Latin in these contexts is the reward for studying the grammar you have built up.
Political and National Phrases
E pluribus unum — "Out of many, one"
The motto of the United States, found on the Great Seal and on coins.
| Latin | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| e / ex | preposition + ablative | out of, from |
| pluribus | abl. pl. (from plus, pluris) | many, the many |
| unum | nom./acc. sg. neuter | one |
Grammar note: ex + ablative expresses the material or source. Unum is the subject — "one [comes] from many."
Senatus Populusque Romanus (SPQR) — "The Senate and the Roman People"
The official name of the Roman state, still visible on manhole covers in Rome and the flag of Rome.
| Latin | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Senatus | nom. sg. m. (4th decl.) | Senate |
| Populusque | nom. sg. m. + -que (enclitic "and") | and the People |
| Romanus | nom. sg. m. adj. | Roman |
Note: -que is a Latin word for "and" that attaches to the END of the second element rather than standing between the two. It means the same as et but is more formal.
Annuit coeptis — "He/She has nodded approval to our undertakings"
Also on the Great Seal and on the back of the $1 bill.