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.

Ab origine fidelis. (Latin motto)
Translation: "Faithful from the first."
Ab ovo (Latin phrase)
Translation: "From the egg; from the very beginning."

A search ab ovo is a thorough analysis and a complete presentation.

Ab ovo usque ad mala. (Latin phrase)
Translation: "From the egg to the apples."

A Roman phrase similar to English, "From soup to nuts", but meaning "From start to finish". This definition is based on the fact that Roman dinners often started with eggs and ended with fruit.

From the beginning to the end of any enterprise, thoroughly or without qualification.

Ab uno ad omnes. (Latin phrase)
Translation: "From one to all."
Ab uno disce omnes. (Latin term)
Translation: "From one, learn all."

"From one sample, judge or know all the rest." From Virgil's Aeneid. This maxim, or rule, applies to situations in which the acceptance of a single observation is universally applicable. Such a careless application is considered a trap for faulty generalizations; like et sic de similibus, "and so of similar (people or things)"; "and that goes for the others, too."

Ab urbe condita; A.U.C. (Latin term)
Translation: "A.U.C., from (since) the founding of the city (Rome)", about 753 B.C.

The Romans used this date as the starting point for calculating an era. Ab urbe condita is also presented as Anno urbis conditae, "In the year of the founding of the city" which is also abbreviated A.U.C..

abaculus
A small tile used in mosaics.
abesse
To be absent.
abest
He/She is absent.

Not present. A term used in a roll call.

Abeunt studia in mores.
Translation: "Studies change into habits."

A maxim by Ovid: "Pursuits done with constant and careful attention become habits."

Abi in pace.
Depart in peace.

A variant of Vade in pace. or "Go in peace."

Abiit ad majores. (Latin statement)
He has gone to his forefathers.

He’s dead.

Absens haeres non erit.
Translation: "The one who is absent will not be an heir."

Sometimes it is also translated as, "Out of sight, out of mind." or "Absence does not make the heart grow fonder."

Karl wrote to his sweetheart that she shouldn't believe the old adage, Absens haeres non erit because I love you even more while you are away from me.

absente febre; abs. feb.
While or when fever is absent.

A medical direction or instruction.

absente reo; abs. re.
With the defendant absent.

Used in law to refer to the defendant not being present or not available.


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