Foreign Words and Expressions: Vocabulary

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

1. AB INITIO- it means from the starting
2. A CAPPELLA- meaning sung in a chapel style without instrumental accompaniment
3. À DEUX- It entails the involvement of two people
4. AD HOC- It refers to something that is made or done for a certain reason
5. AD INTERIM- it means for the time being
6. AD NAUSEAM- it signifies to an excruciatingly high degree
7. A FORTIORI- it means more conclusively
8. AGENT PROVOCATEUR- It refers to a person who entices a suspected criminal to commit a crime in order to catch and convict them
9. À HUIS CLOS- it means in private
10. AL DENTE- it means cooked to be still firm when bitten
11. ALFRESCO- it means in the open air.
12. AMOUR PROPRE- it means self-respect
13. ANNUS MIRABILIS- It means a noteworthy or auspicious year
14. A POSTERIOR- it means rather than assumptions or forecasts, based on reasoning from known facts or past events
15. A PRIORI- it means rather than experience, based on deduction
16. AU COURANT- it means well informed; up to date.
17. AU FAIT- It means having a broad or in-depth understanding
18. AU FOND- it means basically in essence
19. AU NATUREL- It means in the most straightforward or natural way possible
20. BEAU GESTE- it means a good and honourable act
21. BEAU IDÉAL- it means the highest standard of excellence
22. BEAU MONDE- it means fashionable society.
23. BEAUX-ARTS- It means fine arts.
24. BÊTE NOIRE- It means to someone or something that you despise
25. BELLES-LETTRES- it refers to literary works that are written and read because of their exquisite style.
26. BILLET-DOUX- it refers to a love letter
27. BLITZKRIEG- It refers to a high-intensity, violent military campaign aimed at achieving a quick victory.
28. BONA FIDE- it means genuine that is in good faith.
29. BON MOT- it refers to a clever or witty remark
30. BON VIVANT- it is used for a person who leads a sociable and lavish lifestyle
31. BRASSERIE- It refers to a casual or low-cost restaurant
32. CARPE DIEM- It means making the most of the present moment
33. CARTE BLANCHE- It means complete autonomy in one’s actions
34. CAUSE CÉLÈBRE- It means a contentious matter that has gotten a lot of media attention
35. CAVEAT EMPTOR- It means that the buyer is responsible for inspecting the items prior to purchase
36. C’EST LA GUERR- it refers to a resigned acceptance expression
37. CHACUN À SON GOUT- It refers to everyone according to their preferences
38. CHEF-D’ŒUVRE- it means a masterpiece
39. CHERCHEZ LA FEMME- It means that there is almost always a woman at the root of an issue or enigma
40. COMME IL FAUT- it means correct in behaviour and custom.
41. COMPOS MENTIS- It means sane, as in complete control of one’s head
42. COGNOSCENTI- It refers to those who are well-informed about a subject or something
43. CORDON SANITAIRE- it means a protective barrier formed around a diseased area to keep people from fleeing.
44. COSA NOSTRA- It means to a Mafia-linked criminal organisation in the United States
45. COUP DE FOUDRE- It means love at first sight
46. COUP DE GRÂCE- It refers to a humane killing of a mortally wounded person or item
47. COUP DE MAIN- it means an unexpected surprise strike
48. COUP D’ÉTAT- it means a forceful takeover of power
49. CRI DE CŒUR- it means a heartfelt plea or protest
50. CUI BONO?- it refers to who stands to gain, meaning who will benefit from such an act.
51. DE FACTO- it means in fact, whether by right or not
52. DEI GRATIA- it means thanks to God’s grace
53. DÉJÀ VU- it means a feeling of having been in a similar circumstance before
54. DE JURE- it means rightful; by right
55. DE NOS JOURS- it means contemporary
56. DEO GRATIAS- it means thanks to being to God
57. DEO VOLENTE- it means With God’s help
58. DE PROFUNDIS- It means expressing one’s most intimate feelings
59. DE RIGUEUR- It means that something is needed by etiquette or current trend
60. DERNIER CRI- it means the very latest fashion
61. DE TROP- It means not wanted or superfluous.
62. DEUS EX MACHINA- to an unforeseen occurrence that results in a bleak scenario
63. DOLCE FAR NIENTE- it means pleasant idleness
64. DOLCE VITA- it means a life of luxury and pleasure.
65. DOPPELGÄNGER- it means a living person’s apparition or double.
66. MODUS OPERANDI- it means a way of doing something
67. MODUS VIVENDI- it means an agreement that allows opposing parties to live peacefully
68. MOT JUSTE- it means the most acceptable term or phrase
69. NE PLUS ULTRA- it means the most excellent example of something
70. NIL DESPERANDUM- it means do not be discouraged
71. NOBLESSE OBLIGE- it means responsibility comes with privilege
72. 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.