Read the text below, paying close attention to the bold words.
Many English words are based on Latin. For example,
words like "cause" come from the Latin word "causa."
Lawyers, doctors, and scientists still use many Latin terms,
but some Latin expressions are also used in everyday
English. For example, "caveat emptor" means "buyer
beware." It suggests that buyers need to be careful when
they buy goods. Another popular Latin expression is "carpe
diem." This expression means "seize the day" or enjoy
today because there may be no tomorrow. Watch for these
Latin expressions in English newspapers and magazines!
terms - specialized words
beware - Be careful.
seize - Take or grab.
Quiz
Can you match these Latin expressions to their English
definitions?
Fill in the blanks.
1. In the sentence, "I'm going to visit my alma mater." "Alma
mater" means
a. my hometown
b. my earth mother
c. my college or university
2. In the sentence, "The professor talked about dictionaries
ad nauseum." "Ad nauseum" means
a. something unpleasant that goes on endlessly
b. until he was sick
c. until we were sick
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