Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group D

Often heard from those who strive to be creative.

Motto of Westminster School, U.K.

Motto of Wyggesden School, Leicester, U.K.

From Decimus Iunius (Junius) Iuvenalis (Juvenalis) (c. A.D. 60-117); Saturae, I, 63; who attacked the vices of the plutocrats, the wickedness and immorality of women and foreigners (particularly Greeks), and laments the decline of the ancient aristocratic virtues.

Data, as the plural of datum, requires a plural verb in Latin and in English.

We often read, especially in technical, scientific, and business writings; such usages as, "The data is inconclusive." It should be: "These or Those data are inconclusive."

"Something known or assumed; such as, a fact or a figure from which a conclusion, or conclusions, can be inferred."

Although rarely used properly (if at all), datum should be expressed in the singular sense: "There is one datum on this page that is not correct."

Using the word "fact" instead of datum probably would make one's writing easier to understand and decrease anxiety about the proper use of datum.

A degree granted after a required curriculum of graduate theological studies has been accomplished.

Another version is ."Choose the lesser of two evils." Thomas à Kempis, the fifteenth-century theologian, advises us to make the best of a bad situation as we recognize the realities of choosing between less than ideal alternatives.

Functioning or existing in fact, regardless of legal, or illegal, status. It differentiates that which exists in fact (de facto) from that which exists legally (de jure).

This well-known expression suggests that taste is a personal matter. Usually no amount of persuasion can succeed in changing a person's taste so it is better not to argue about matters of personal preference.

This saying is sometimes given as De gustibus et coloribus non disputandum, or more often merely as de gustibus, "concerning tastes".

Also, "Don't bother me with petty matters." A praetor [PREET uhr] in ancient Rome was a magistrate who assisted the consuls by administering justice and commanding armies.

A related expression is the legal precept: De minimis non curat lex or "The law does not concern itself with trifles" or "The law does not care for, or take notice of, very small or trifling matters"; which is used to justify refusal by a court, particularly an appellate court, to hear a suit, on the basis that a court's time must not be taken up with matters of small importance.

Provision is made under certain criminal statutes for dismissing offenses that are de minimis.

The phrase, de minimis, also explains why income tax payments that are a few dollars short of what they should be are sometimes accepted without any complaint.

Another translation: "Speak kindly of the dead." It is believed that Chilon of Sparta, one of the wise men of sixth-century B.C. Greece, is the author of this saying. Keep in mind that this would be a Latin translation of what Chilon said in Greek.

The advice to everyone is to speak well of the recently dead or, if you can not say anything good, to keep quiet.