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

(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.

Ars mercede viget.
Art flourishes by patronage.

Motto of Reading School, U.K.

ars moriendi
The art of dying.

The Romans are said to have put a great deal of importance in dying nobly.

Arte conservatus.
Preserved by skill.
arte et animo
By skill and courage.
arte et labore
By skill and toil (work).
Arte, Marte, Vigore. (Latin motto)
Translation: "By skill, valor, and energy."
artes, scientia, veritas
Arts, science, truth.

The motto of the University of Michigan, USA.

Artes/scientias/humanitates.
Translation: "Arts/sciences/humanities."

The motto of the New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico, USA.

Artium Baccalaureus
Bachelor of Arts.

Abbreviated A.B. or B.A. This is the undergraduate degree which is awarded by colleges and universities in the USA. It has been suggested that the medieval Latin term baccalaureus, "bachelor", was adapted from baccalarius, meaning "laborer" or "tenant".

Artium Magister (s) (noun), Artium Magisters (pl)
Master of Arts: Artium Magister is abbreviated A.M. or M.A. and is an academic university degree that is usually achieved after the A.B. or B.A. degree.
Assiduitate, non desidia.
By industry, not sloth.

Motto of King Williams's College, Isle of Man, U.K.

asyndeton (s) (noun), asyndetons (pl)
Not + fastened or bound together: A rhetorical figure that gains brevity and force through the omission of connective words. In Julius Caesar's statement, Veni, vidi, vici ("I came, I saw, I conquered"), the conjunction et or "and" has been omitted before vici.

Audaces fortuna iuvat (juvat) (Latin proverb)
Translation: "Fortune favors the bold."

Also given as Audentes fortuna iuvat: Fortune favors the daring. This motto for the bold and successful and for those who aspire to success was cited by many Roman writers.

The English proverb, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" provides another viewpoint of this Roman saying.

Audemus jura nostra defendere. (motto)
Translation: "We dare defend or maintain our rights."

State motto of Alabama, U.S.A. This may be calling attention to the state's dedication to protecting its rights against infringement by the federal government.

Audi alteram partem (Latin phrase)
Listen to the other side.

Also, "There are two sides to every question", which is a plea for reason and fairness in discussions.


Pointing to a page about a kleptomaniac Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.