This week we’re looking at words and phrases that are part of the English language, but which remain in their original language, whether that is French, Italian, or Latin. Many of these words and phrases are used in business management, in the field of law, and in the upper levels of society. Being conversant with these terms will give you an edge when meeting new people in your professional career and personal life. Whether you’re eating at a fine restaurant, walking through an art exhibit, listening to a lecture on economics, or reading about the latest government regulations, you’ll need to be familiar with these non-English terms.

Today we’re looking at legal terminology, and also words that have moved from the strictly judicial field to apply to situations in everyday life. Make a note of the pronunciation of these words and create some sample sentences using them; by practicing these words and phrases, you’ll help lock them in your brain. Pay special attention to these terms if you’re studying for the GRE or SAT, as they’re commonly found in the vocabulary section on those tests. All of these words are in the original Latin.

ipso facto (IHPsoh FACtoh)
Literally translated as “by that very fact,” this is another way of saying “therefore.”
Example: The surveillance camera shows that Peter was in the parking garage at 8:10 p.m. so ipso facto he could not have been the person who answered the phone at the front desk at 8:12 p.m.

non compos mentis (non COMpohs MENtees)
Not in one’s right mind, insane.
Example: Helen’s aunt drew up her own will leaving everything to her two cats, but when the court determined that she was non compos mentis at the time it was written, Helen ended up with a small inheritance after all.

pro rata (pro RAHtah)
By proportion, according to size.
Example: The judge determined that the child’s school expenses should be paid pro rata, with the parent who earned more money paying a larger portion.

in toto (in TOHtoh)
Completely, including everything.
Example: My monthly expenses in toto are only half of what I earn each month, but I still find it hard to save money.

per capita (per CAPitah)
Literally meaning “by head,” this phrase is used when counting people.
Example: The government allocates funds for road maintenance on a per capita basis only, unless the local councils can prove that their area has a higher volume of traffic from tourism or long-distance transport.