Latin Blog #10: Understanding Latin Phrases Used In Everyday Language

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LATIN BLOG #10 includes the terms:  E PLURIBUS UNUM; IN EXTREMIS; EX TEMPORE

1. E PLURIBUS UNUM

Out of many, one (motto of the U.S., appearing on most U.S. currency and on the Great Seal of the United States).

The traditionally understood meaning of the phrase was that out of many states (or colonies) emerges a single nation. However, in recent years its meaning has come to suggest that out of many peoples, races, religions, languages, and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation—illustrating the concept of the U.S. serving as a melting pot.

2. IN EXTREMIS (adverb)

In extremis is a Latin phrase that literally means “in the farthest reaches”. Common usage meanings include:

In extreme circumstances
In a very difficult situation
At the point of death (medical meaning)

3. EX TEMPORE

(i) Adverb

On the spur of the moment; without premeditation or preparation; offhand.

For example,  “questions were permitted  ex tempore from the audience”.

Also to speak “ex tempore” means to speak without notes;  off the cuff.

In a musical performance “to play by improvisation”.

(ii) Adjective

extemporaneous; impromptu

Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., Research Professor, University of New Mexico

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Author: andrewyiannakis

Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., is currently a Research Professor at the University of New Mexico (USA). He is also Professor Emeritus from the University of Connecticut where he taught the Sociology of Leisure, Tourism & Sport, as well as Research Methods and Computer Applications. He also holds the rank of 8th Dan in Traditional Jujutsu and a 6th Dan in Traditional Kodokan Judo. He is the Director of the Institute of Traditional Martial Arts at the University of New Mexico. He is also the Chair of the Traditional Jujutsu Committee of the USJJF. As an amateur historian, he has led several expeditions to Greece to conduct research at Thermopylae, and locate the path the Persians used in 480 BC to encircle, and defeat King Leonidas and the Greek allies. Prof. Yiannakis has published extensively in a number of areas.

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