| Latinism |
Abbreviation |
Translation |
Comments |
| a bene placito |
|
from one who has been pleased well |
At one's pleasure. This phrase, and its Italian derivative beneplacito, are synonymous with the more common ad libitum (at pleasure). |
| a capite ad calcem |
|
from head to heel |
From top to bottom; all the way through |
| a contrario |
|
from the opposite |
Equivalent to "on the contrary" or "au contraire." An argumentum a contrario is an argument or proof by contrast or direct opposite. |
| a fortiori |
|
from the stronger |
Loosely, "even more so" or "with even stronger reason." Often used to lead from a less certain proposition to a more evident corollary. |
| a mari usque ad mare |
|
from sea to sea |
National motto of Canada. |
| a mensa et thoro |
|
from board and bed |
In marital law, a legal term meaning a legal separation has taken place. |
| a pedibus usque ad caput |
|
from feet to head |
Completely. This is similar to the English expression "from top to toe." |
| a posse ad esse |
|
from being able to being |
"From possibility to being" or "from being possible to being actual." |
| a posteriori |
|
from the latter |
Based on observation (i.e., empirical knowledge), the reverse of a priori. Used in mathematics, philosophy and logic to denote something that is known after a proof has been carried out. |
| a priori |
|
from the former |
Presupposed, the reverse of a posteriori. Used in mathematics, philosophy and logic to denote something that is known or postulated before a proof has been carried out. |
| a tempore morae |
|
for the time being |
A legal term meaning the interest on a claim running from the date of judgment entered, that is, from the date the obligation becomes due. |
| a verbis ad verbera |
|
from words to blows |
|
| ab absurdo |
|
from the absurd |
Said of an argument that seeks to prove a statement's validity by pointing out the absurdity of an opponent's position. Not to be confused with a reductio ad absurdum, which is usually a valid logical argument. |
| ab abusu ad usum non valet consequentia |
|
a consequence from an abuse to a use is not valid |
Inferences regarding something's use from its misuse are invalid. Rights abused are still rights. |
| ab aeterno |
|
from the eternal |
From time immemorial or"since the beginning of time." In theology, often indicates something, such as the universe, that was created outside of time. |
| ab antiquo |
|
from the ancient |
From ancient times. |
| ab extra |
|
from beyond |
A legal term meaning "From without." From external sources, rather than from the self or the mind (ab intra). Sometimes expressed loosely as ab ex. |
| ab hinc |
|
from here |
|
| ab imo pectore |
|
from the deepest chest |
Attributed to Julius Caesar. Usually translated as "from the bottom of my heart." |
| ab inconvenienti |
|
from an inconvenient thing |
An "argumentum ab inconvenienti" is one based on the difficulties involved in pursuing a line of reasoning, and is thus a form of appeal to consequences. |
