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

(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.

in toto
Entirely.

This phrase can also be translated as "on the whole, altogether, in all, totally", and "completely".

in utero
In the womb.

Prenatal; not yet born.

in vacuo
In emptiness.

In a vacuum or void; without reference to one's surroundings; without regard for reality.

In vino veritas.
In wine is truth.

When a person is intoxicated, he/she utters many things which at other times would be concealed or disguised.

in vitro
Within or in glass.

Observable as in a test tube; e.g., "an in vitro birth."

in vivo
In or upon a living organism.

Opposite of in vitro.

incognitus (masculine); incognita (feminine)
Not known, unknown.

1. With one's name, character and rank, etc., concealed.

2. Status of a person who appears or travels without disclosing his/her true identity.

This term is better known in the Italian version, perhaps via French; as, incognito, from the Latin form shown above.

Infinitus est numerus stultorum. (Latin motto)
Translation: "Infinite is the number of fools."
infra dignitatem; infra dig. (Latin phrase)
Translation: "Beneath the dignity (of someone)."

Undignified. The phrase is used to indicate that a suggested or contemplated act is not proper for one's character or standing. Some people shorten the phrase to infra dig by those who know.

infra; inf.
Inferior, below.
Ingeniis pahuit campus.
The field is open to those with talent.

Motto of the University of Tasmania, Australia.

Iniuria non excusat iniuriam.
One wrong does not justify another wrong.
innuendo
By hunting; to nod to; meaning.

1. An indirect or subtle and usually derogatory implication; insinuation.

2. In Law, a plaintiff's interpretation, in a libel suit, of allegedly libelous or slanderous material; an explanation of a word or charge.

An "innuendo" in pleading in a libel action is a statement by a plaintiff of construction that he puts on words which are alleged to be libelous and which meaning he will induce the jury to adopt at trial. Its function is to set a meaning upon words or language of doubtful or to set a meaning upon words or language of doubtful or ambiguous import that alone would not be actionable.

I.N.R.I.
Iesus [Jesus] Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum [Judaeorum].

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. In Roman times, what we now write as "J" was an "I".

Integrias, veritas, dignitas. (Latin motto)
Translation: "Integrity, truth, dignity."

Motto of Indiana Northern Graduate School of Professional Management, USA.


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