Foreign-origin Words and Phrases

After hearing the same argument for an hour, I felt the speaker was repeating himself _____. Which phrase best completes the sentence?

• ad nauseam

• pro bono

• bona fide

• en masse

Answer explanation

The phrase 'ad nauseam' is a Latin term that means 'to a sickening or excessive degree.' It correctly describes something being repeated so much it becomes tiresome, which fits the context. The other options mean 'for the public good' (pro bono), 'genuine' (bona fide), and 'in a large group' (en masse).

Match each French phrase to its correct definition.

• A street or passage closed at one end

• cliché

• An overused and unoriginal phrase or idea

• joie de vivre

• A pre-arranged meeting or meeting place

• rendezvous

• A feeling of deep, enthusiastic enjoyment of life

• cul-de-sac

Answer explanation

Each French phrase is correctly paired with its English definition. 'Rendezvous' is a meeting, 'cliché' is an overused expression, 'cul-de-sac' is a dead-end street, and 'joie de vivre' is the joy of living.

Your friend is about to leave for a long trip to Europe. Which phrase would be most appropriate to say to wish them a good trip?

• Bon voyage

• Déjà vu

• Faux pas

• Status quo

Answer explanation

'Bon voyage' is a French phrase that literally means 'good journey' and is used to wish someone a pleasant trip. The other phrases are irrelevant: 'déjà vu' (a feeling of having already experienced something), 'faux pas' (a social blunder), and 'status quo' (the current situation).

Sort these phrases by the language they come from: French or Latin.

Groups:

(a) French

,

(b) Latin

• déjà vu

• et cetera

• pro bono

• RSVP

• bona fide

• bon voyage

Answer explanation

The phrases are sorted based on their language of origin. 'RSVP' (répondez s'il vous plaît), 'bon voyage', and 'déjà vu' are French. 'Et cetera', 'pro bono', and 'bona fide' are Latin.

The lawyer offered to take the case pro bono for the struggling family. What does pro bono mean in this context?

• For a high fee

• For the public good, without charge

• With a guaranteed win

• Only for a short time

Answer explanation

The Latin phrase 'pro bono' means 'for the public good' and refers to professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment. The context of a 'struggling family' supports this meaning. The other options are incorrect interpretations.

The principal wanted to maintain the existing state of affairs at the school. Which phrase means 'the existing state of affairs'?

• status quo

• carte blanche

• faux pas

• ad hoc

Answer explanation

'Status quo' is a Latin phrase that directly translates to 'the existing state.' It is the correct replacement for 'the existing state of affairs.' 'Carte blanche' means full freedom, 'faux pas' is a social error, and 'ad hoc' means for a specific purpose.

Match each common Latin abbreviation to its English meaning.

• and other things (and so on)

• e.g.

• that is (in other words)

• etc.

• for example

• i.e.

Answer explanation

Each abbreviation is matched to its meaning. 'i.e.' (id est) means 'that is,' 'e.g.' (exempli gratia) means 'for example,' and 'etc.' (et cetera) means 'and so on.'

Walking into the old house, I had a strong sense of déjà vu. What is déjà vu?

• A feeling of fear

• A sudden headache

• The feeling you've experienced something before

• A desire to leave immediately

Answer explanation

'Déjà vu' is a French phrase that describes the uncanny feeling that one has lived through the present situation before. The other options describe different feelings or sensations.

Sort these phrases based on the situation where they are most commonly used: Social Invitations, Legal/Formal, or General Conversation.

Groups:

(a) Social Invitations

,

(b) Legal/Formal

,

(c) General Conversation

• déjà vu

• pro bono

• bona fide

• RSVP

Answer explanation

The phrases are sorted by their typical usage. 'RSVP' is used on invitations. 'Bona fide' (genuine) and 'pro bono' (for free) are often used in legal or formal settings. 'Déjà vu' is a feeling described in everyday conversation.

The artist was known for her avant-garde style, which was very different from traditional painting. What does avant-garde describe?

• Something old-fashioned and common

• Something new, experimental, and unusual

• Something that is easy to understand

• Something that is very colorful

Answer explanation

'Avant-garde' is a French term used to describe new and experimental ideas and methods in art, music, or literature. The context clue 'very different from traditional' points to this meaning.