One of the problems when learning English vocabulary is that not all words are pronounced the way you might think, according to their spelling. English is notorious for having groups of letters that are exactly the same when written, but vary wildly when spoken – think of the words through, though, rough, cough, and bough, each of which is pronounced differently. The problem is compounded when you’re dealing with foreign words and phrases that are used as part of standard English, because the rules of pronunciation are those of the original language.

When you see a foreign word or phrase that you’re not familiar with, the first thing you should do is find out how to pronounce it. Many on-line dictionaries (both English and in other languages) have clickable audio links that will allow you to hear the word or phrase spoken correctly by a native speaker. It’s important that your pronunciation is correct when you use the phrase, otherwise people will either not understand you, or will be under the impression that you don’t really know what the phrase means. Link meaning, pronunciation, and context in your mind to become completely confident when using these descriptive terms.

ad hoc (ad HAWK)
This Latin term describes something that is created for a specific reason, often temporary.
Example: Before making changes to the company cafeteria, the board put together an ad hoc committee to work with the employees and discover what they would like to see done.

alter ego (AWLtur EEgo)
A Latin phrase meaning your “other side.”
Example: Dr. Jekyll drank a potion that transformed him into his alter ego, Mr. Hyde.

fait accompli (FEHT ahkomPLEE)
A French phrase meaning something that has been done which can’t be changed.
Example: Having been presented with a newly-painted office as a fait accompli upon my return after a vacation, I thanked my supervisor, even though I did not care for the shade of yellow used on the walls.

gravitas (GRAHveetahs)
A serious, solemn, responsible attitude or temperament; from the Latin for “weight, heaviness.”
Example: The speaker maintained his gravitas throughout his lecture, even though the audience was laughing at the humorous sketches he used to illustrate his points.

sang-froid (san FWAD)
Also spelled sangfroid, this French term translates literally to “cold blood” and means cool, calm, and collected.
Example: One of the guests at dinner suddenly got up from the table, threw his glass to the floor, and stalked out of the room, but with her customary sang-froid the hostess merely waved the waiter over to clean up the mess, and calmly continued her conversation as if nothing had happened.