ad-

(From Latin: "to, toward, a direction toward, an addition to, near, at"; and changes to: "ac-, af-, ag-, al-, an-, ap-, aq-, ar-, as-, at-" and ad- is also combined with certain words that begin with the letters c, f, g, l, n, p, q, r, s, and t.)

The Latin element ad carries the idea of "in the direction of" and combines with many Latin words and roots to make common English words.

ad eundem (Latin phrase)
To the same degree.

Of equivalent value: Ad eundem is mainly used for the acceptance of a student with an academic standing or degree by a university or college, but which was achieved at another equal institution of education.

ad eundem gradum (Latin phrase)
To the same degree.

Sometimes abbreviated as ad eundem, this phrase may be used to place blame or praise among parties to a deed. The fuller version has a special use when applied to academic life.

Considering gradum as an academic rank and, under special circumstances, a person holding a Master of Arts degree from one institution may be awarded the same degree by another institution without examination or even matriculation, and such a degree is termed "M.A. ad eundem gradum".

ad eundem; ad eund. (Latin abbreviation)
Of equivalent value.

Ad eund is an abbreviation of the term "ad eundem gradum", and means "to the same degree".

ad extra (Latin phrase)
Translation: "To the outer."

In an outward direction: The expression ad extra refers to the Catholic belief that The Father directed his Son and the Spirit to go on a mission into the world, which was not within the Trinity life.

ad extremum (Latin phrase)
Translation: "To the extreme."

In the staff meeting, one of the teachers carried on the discussion ad extremum and and there was no end to it!

Ad finem fidelis. (Latin motto)
Translation: "Faithful to the end."

The motto Ad finem fidelis was stitched into the family crest which hung above the fireplace in the family room.

Ad finem spero. (Latin motto)
Translation: "I hope to the last."

When Jane found a very old diary up in the attic, she saw the motto Ad finem spero on the cover and she remembered her grandfather using this expression when she was a toddler visiting him and her grandmother.

Ad finem ultimum. (Latin motto)
Translation: "To the final end."

Said to be the motto of the Canadian Space Agency.

ad finem; ad fin. (Latin adverb) (not comparable)
Relating to the final place; at the end.

The term ad finem, or its abbreviation ad fin., is used at or near the completion or conclusion of a piece of writing.

ad gloriam (Latin phrase)
To glory; for glory.

See ad maiorem dei gloriam for more information.

ad gustum (Latin phrase)
To one's taste.

Ad gustum can be found in cookbooks, such as "Add salt ad gustum", and to savour to one's liking!

ad hanc vocem; a.h.c. (Latin phrase)
Translation: "At this word."
ad hoc (Latin phrase)
Translation: "Toward this; for this specific purpose."

The term ad hoc has several applications: for a special intent, for a particular reason or occasion, or for the present matter or situation, all of which applies only to an explicit case that should be resolved.

An ad hoc committee is one whose existence is limited to the time that is necessary to take care of an issue that is currently being considered and when the problem is solved, the committee will go out of existence.

Only for this case or purpose, special.
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ad hominem (Latin adjective) (not comparable)
1. Referring to a person's character, not to his or her logic or record; maliciously critical: In rhetoric, an ad hominem argument attacks the defenders of an opposing position personally rather than sticking to the point of the discussion.

The editorial in the paper was a very ad hominem piece, directing its disapproval towards the new mayor.

2. Appealing to personal prejudices or emotions rather than to reason: When debating, participants should avoid ad hominem arguments that question their opponents' motives.

The announcers were cautioned not to use ad hominem comments in their radio broadcast.

Attacking one's opponent rather than staying on the subject.
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ad horrorem. (Latin saying)
To the point of horror.

Sam was telling such gruesome and dreadful stories ad horrorem that the others sitting around the campfire all got cold feet and demanded that he stop his tales!