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

(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

All entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.

Viaticum.
Journey-money.

In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist administered to a person in danger of death or the Holy Communion that is given to someone who is dying.

vice versa
The other way round; the change being turned.

The order or relation being reversed; in reverse order; conversely.

Vide et crede.
See and believe.

Perhaps better known as, "Seeing is believing".

Vide infra; v.i.
See below.

An instruction in a document to look for a citation that follows.

Vide post.
Latin for "See the following."
Vide supra; v.s.
See above.

A scholar's way of referring a reader to something that appears earlier in a text or see the previous reference or citation.

Vide; v.; vid.
Latin for "See."

An instruction in a printed document to look for a citation that follows.

videlicet; viz.
1. It is permitted to see.
2. One may or can see.
3. That is; namely; used to introduce examples, lists, or items.

Other meanings include: to wit; that is to say; namely. Commonly abbreviated viz., which is expressed orally as "namely", not as "viz."

It is often found in legal documents to advise that what follows provides more details about a preceding general statement: "The defendant committed robbery; viz., last Saturday, at approximately midnight."

Vigor aetatis fluit ut flos veris.
The vigor of our days passes like a flower of the spring.

A reference to youth.

Vincit omnia veritas.
Truth conquers everything.

Motto of Compton Community College, Compton, California, USA; and it is also translated as "Truth conquers all things".

There is also a shorter version: Vincit veritas, "Truth wins out."

Vincit qui patitur.
He conquers who endures.

Motto of Berea College, Berea, Kentucky, USA.

Vincit qui se vincit.
He wins control who controls himself. -Seneca
Vino vendibili hedera non opus est.
A popular wine needs no ivy.

A good product needs no special advertising. The ivy was sacred to Bacchus, and its bush was displayed as a sign outside Roman taverns. Bacchus was an ancient Greek and Roman god of wine and revelry. Earlier Greeks called him Dionysus.

Vir sapit qui pauca loquitur. (Latin statement)
Translation: "That man is wise who talks little."

Alternate translations: "He is a wise man who speaks but little." or "Know when to hold your tongue."

Vir, veritas, vox. (Latin)
Translation: "Man, truth, voice."

Motto of California State Universities and Colleges, California, USA.


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