In this section, we are going to study different foreign words and expressions. With the development of English grammar in the previous years, people have started using foreign words and expressions while having informal communication and during spoken English. These foreign expressions have completely different meanings and are derived from different languages like Latin, German, etc. Foreign words and expressions refer to a group of words derived from foreign languages which are used in English vocabulary.
Foreign words and Expressions
This is a list of some important foreign words and expression
- AB INITIO- it means from the starting
- A CAPPELLA- meaning sung in a chapel style without instrumental accompaniment
- À DEUX- It entails the involvement of two people
- AD HOC- It refers to something that is made or done for a certain reason
- AD INTERIM- it means for the time being
- AD NAUSEAM- it signifies to an excruciatingly high degree
- A FORTIORI- it means more conclusively
- AGENT PROVOCATEUR- It refers to a person who entices a suspected criminal to commit a crime in order to catch and convict them
- À HUIS CLOS- it means in private
- AL DENTE- it means cooked to be still firm when bitten
- ALFRESCO- it means in the open air.
- AMOUR PROPRE- it means self-respect
- ANNUS MIRABILIS- It means a noteworthy or auspicious year
- A POSTERIOR- it means rather than assumptions or forecasts, based on reasoning from known facts or past events
- A PRIORI- it means rather than experience, based on deduction
- AU COURANT- it means well informed; up to date.
- AU FAIT- It means having a broad or in-depth understanding
- AU FOND- it means basically in essence
- AU NATUREL- It means in the most straightforward or natural way possible
- BEAU GESTE- it means a good and honourable act
- BEAU IDÉAL- it means the highest standard of excellence
- BEAU MONDE- it means fashionable society.
- BEAUX-ARTS- It means fine arts.
- BÊTE NOIRE- It means to someone or something that you despise
- BELLES-LETTRES- it refers to literary works that are written and read because of their exquisite style.
- BILLET-DOUX- it refers to a love letter
- BLITZKRIEG- It refers to a high-intensity, violent military campaign aimed at achieving a quick victory.
- BONA FIDE- it means genuine that is in good faith.
- BON MOT- it refers to a clever or witty remark
- BON VIVANT- it is used for a person who leads a sociable and lavish lifestyle
- BRASSERIE- It refers to a casual or low-cost restaurant
- CARPE DIEM- It means making the most of the present moment
- CARTE BLANCHE- It means complete autonomy in one’s actions
- CAUSE CÉLÈBRE- It means a contentious matter that has gotten a lot of media attention
- CAVEAT EMPTOR- It means that the buyer is responsible for inspecting the items prior to purchase
- C’EST LA GUERR- it refers to a resigned acceptance expression
- CHACUN À SON GOUT- It refers to everyone according to their preferences
- CHEF-D’ŒUVRE- it means a masterpiece
- CHERCHEZ LA FEMME- It means that there is almost always a woman at the root of an issue or enigma
- COMME IL FAUT- it means correct in behaviour and custom.
- COMPOS MENTIS- It means sane, as in complete control of one’s head
- COGNOSCENTI- It refers to those who are well-informed about a subject or something
- CORDON SANITAIRE- it means a protective barrier formed around a diseased area to keep people from fleeing.
- COSA NOSTRA- It means to a Mafia-linked criminal organisation in the United States
- COUP DE FOUDRE- It means love at first sight
- COUP DE GRÂCE- It refers to a humane killing of a mortally wounded person or item
- COUP DE MAIN- it means an unexpected surprise strike
- COUP D’ÉTAT- it means a forceful takeover of power
- CRI DE CŒUR- it means a heartfelt plea or protest
- CUI BONO?- it refers to who stands to gain, meaning who will benefit from such an act.
- DE FACTO- it means in fact, whether by right or not
- DEI GRATIA- it means thanks to God’s grace
- DÉJÀ VU- it means a feeling of having been in a similar circumstance before
- DE JURE- it means rightful; by right
- DE NOS JOURS- it means contemporary
- DEO GRATIAS- it means thanks to being to God
- DEO VOLENTE- it means With God’s help
- DE PROFUNDIS- It means expressing one’s most intimate feelings
- DE RIGUEUR- It means that something is needed by etiquette or current trend
- DERNIER CRI- it means the very latest fashion
- DE TROP- It means not wanted or superfluous.
- DEUS EX MACHINA- to an unforeseen occurrence that results in a bleak scenario
- DOLCE FAR NIENTE- it means pleasant idleness
- DOLCE VITA- it means a life of luxury and pleasure.
- DOPPELGÄNGER- it means a living person’s apparition or double.
- MODUS OPERANDI- it means a way of doing something
- MODUS VIVENDI- it means an agreement that allows opposing parties to live peacefully
- MOT JUSTE- it means the most acceptable term or phrase
- NE PLUS ULTRA- it means the most excellent example of something
- NIL DESPERANDUM- it means do not be discouraged
- NOBLESSE OBLIGE- it means responsibility comes with privilege
- NOLENS VOLENS- it means whether or not someone wants or enjoys something
Conclusion
In this article, we learn several foreign words and expressions used while speaking English in informal conversations. In most of the elective exams, these foreign words and expressions are asked in the English section. It is very important to learn them to gain good marks.