“Unlock the Secrets: Mastering Descriptive Latin Terms to Elevate Your Writing Game!”
Ever found yourself staring at the words “ad hoc,” “bona fide,” or “per diem,” wondering whether to italicize or hyphenate? You’re not alone! These Latin terms often trip us up—after all, utilizing a sprinkle of sophistication in writing can sometimes lead to a sprinkle of confusion. Understanding how to properly incorporate these phrases into your writing is not just a stylistic choice but a reflection of your commitment to clarity. So, let’s dive into the wonderful (and occasionally perplexing) world of Latin terminology in English writing. Not only will we untangle the rules around these expressions, but we’ll also explore their meanings to ensure they fit seamlessly into your narratives. Get ready to elevate your writing game! To take your understanding further, check out the full article and delve into the details. LEARN MORE.
WRITING WELL
And whether to italicize or hyphenate “ad hoc,” “bona fide,” “de facto,” or “per diem”
In my post “When and How to Use ‘i.e.’ and ‘e.g.’ in Your Writing,” I covered the commonly used (and confused) abbreviations of the Latin terms id est (“that is” or “in other words”) and exempli gratia (“for example”). Luckily another commonly used abbreviation of a Latin term, “etc.” (generally understood to mean “and the rest”) doesn’t usually cause as much confusion.
A number of descriptive Latin terms themselves (as opposed to their abbreviations) are also often used by English writers and speakers. Since I use the Merriam-Webster dictionary for definitions, I also checked M-W for guidance on how the following terms should be used.
Ad hoc (literally “for this”)
Adverb: “for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application”
Example: The scene was produced ad hoc.
Adjective: “concerned with a particular end or purpose,” “formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs,” “fashioned from whatever is immediately available”
Example: The stage manager quickly designed an ad hoc backdrop.
Bona fide (literally “in good faith”)
Adjective: “neither specious nor counterfeit,” “genuine,” “made with earnest intent,” “sincere”
Example: That is a bona fide antique.
Note that Merriam-Webster lists “bona fide” as an adjective only.
De facto (literally “from the fact”)
Adverb: “in reality,” “actually”
Example: Due to her leadership, she was de facto the new leader.
Adjective: “actual (especially being such in effect though not formally recognized),” “exercising power as if legally constituted,” “resulting from economic or social factors rather than from laws or actions of state”
Example: Due to his leadership, he became the de facto captain.
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