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.

Vita sine litteris mors est.
Life without learning [education] is death.
Vitam regit fortuna non sapientia.(Latin proverb)
Translation: "Chance, not wisdom, governs human life."

Another interpretation: "Life is mostly a matter of luck."

Viva voce. (Latin)
Translation: "With the living voice; by word of mouth."

Speaking with the living voice. A viva voce examination is one in which the respondent gives spoken answers instead of written responses.

Vive hodie.
Live today.

Don't count on living tomorrow. Vive hodie!

Vive, vale.
Live, be well.

Farewell. Also presented as: Vive valeque, "Live and be well."

Vivit Leo de Tribu Juda.
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah lives.

Motto of the former kingdom of Ethiopia.

Vix ea nostra voco. (Latin)
Translation: "I scarcely call these things our own."

Another translation: "With difficulty do I call these things ours."

Vixit.
He/She lived.

Found on tombstones, usually as Vixit […] annos. He/She lived [a certain number of] years.

Volens et potens. (Latin saying)
Willing and able.

Motto on the original State seal of Nevada, USA.

volente Deo.
God willing.

Also see Deo volente.

Volo, non valeo.
I am willing but unable.
Voluptates corporis.
Translation: "The pleasures of the body."

Also translated as, "Sensual pleasures".

Volventibus annis. (Latin phrase)
With the years rolling on.

Also: "As time goes by."

Vox audita perit, littera scripta manet. (Latin)
Translation: "The spoken word perishes, but the written word remains."
Vox clamans in deserto. (Latin)
Translation: "A voice crying in the wilderness."

Motto of Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.


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