Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group S
(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)
Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes
Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.
sub vi; s.v.
Under compulsion.
A person who is forced to sign a confession, might want to try to write s.v. after his name to indicate that he did so against his will.
sub voce
Under the word.
A reference to an entry in an index, vocabulary, etc.
Succesus per educationem.
Success through education.
Motto of Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton, Virginia, USA.
sui generis
Of its own kind.
"Unique, in a class by itself." Having a distinct character of its own; unlike anything else.
sui generis sine dubio
In a class by itself, without doubt.
Unique.
sui juris
Of his or her own right.
Of full legal capacity.
Sum quod eris, fui quod sis.
I am what you will be; I was what you are.
A message engraved on tombstones as a reminder to the living as in the following poem:
Dear Friend,
Forebear and cast an eye.
As you now are so once was I,
As I am now, so shall ye be.
Prepare to die and follow me.
Forebear and cast an eye.
As you now are so once was I,
As I am now, so shall ye be.
Prepare to die and follow me.
Another person responded with the following words:
Where'er you are, I wish you well;
Whether in heaven or in hell;
But to follow you I can not consent,
Until I know the way you went!
Whether in heaven or in hell;
But to follow you I can not consent,
Until I know the way you went!
Sum, ergo edo.
I am, therefore I eat.
summa cum laude
With the highest praise.
Normally a reference to graduates of schools or universities.
summum bonum
The highest good.
The highest attainable good.
Summum jus, summa injuria.
Extreme justice is extreme injustice. -Cicero, On Duties, I, x, 33.
suo iure (jure)
In one's own right or in its own right.
suo loco
In its proper place.
suo Marte
By one's own toil, effort, or courage.
suo motu
By one's own motion or by its own motion.
It may also mean, "An action taken based on one's personal decision."
Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.
