Animal Words from Latin

The words in this list, primarily used as adjectives but sometimes used also as nouns, are combinations of the Latin root for an animal and the Latin suffix "ine," which means "relating to."  First I'll give the literal meaning of each word, and then I'll add the metaphorical meaning, if any.


AQUILINE (AK wuh line) - relating to an eagle, curving like an eagle's beak
The seal of the United States bears an AQUILINE figure.
The busts of the ancient Roman heroes have AQUILINE noses.

ASININE (AS uh nine) - relating to an ass, foolish, obstinate
He was asked to leave the party because of his ASININE behavior.
You'd be ASININE to quit your job before getting another one.
I don't usually enjoy comedies that feature ASININE antics.

BOVINE (BO vine) - relating to cows and oxen, dull, sluggish, stolid
They are studying BOVINE anatomy in veterinary school.
The Greek goddess Hera was known to have BOVINE eyes.
His BOVINE manner suggested a lack of ambition.
They relaxed in a state of BOVINE inertia.
We prefer to drink milk from cows that have not been given BOVINE growth 
  hormones.
His BOVINE disposition prevented him from making many friends.
She sat before the TV in BOVINE contentment.

CANINE (KAY nine) - relating to dogs, like a dog
His fans treated him with CANINE devotion.
The Rin Tin Tin films depicted CANINE loyalty.
The dentist extracted my upper right CANINE tooth.
Lassie was a CANINE movie star.
The CANINE trait of faithfulness inspired the saying "A dog is man's best friend."

CAPRINE (KAP rine) - relating to goats, but not to their smell
They enlisted CAPRINE help in clearing the brush on the hillside.

CERVINE (SER vine) - relating to deer
In a display of CERVINE grace, the doe leaped over the wall.
The hunter displayed his CERVINE trophies.
The moose is a CERVINE creature.

EQUINE (EE kwine) - relating to horses (other words from this root: equestrian - concerning horses, and equitation - riding horses)
He is a specialist in EQUINE diseases.
She is an authority on all things EQUINE.
Dressage is an EQUINE ballet.
Troubled children are often helped by EQUINE therapy.

FELINE (FEE line) - relating to cats; possessing the qualities of a cat, such as gracefulness and independence
The audience applauded the FELINE grace of the circus performers.
The existence of FELINE mummies is evidence of the worship of cats in ancient
  Egypt.
Purring is a sign of FELINE contentment.

HIRCINE (HER sine) - relating to goats; of or like a goat, especially in smell; lascivious
He had a narrow face with a scanty HIRCINE beard.
There was a HIRCINE smell in the shed.
 
LEONINE (LEE uh nine) - relating to lions; like a lion; having the characteristics of a lion, such as majesty
The proverbial "mad scientist" is often depicted with a LEONINE mane.
He's a LEONINE actor who excels in roles that demand power and vitality.
With a LEONINE roar, he bounded across the stage.

LUPINE (LOO pine) - relating to wolves, of or like a wolf, ravenous
Feral dogs often exhibit LUPINE characteristics.
In the LUPINE version of charity, the young often share their food with the old.

OVINE (OH vine) - relating to sheep, of or like a sheep, passive
The scientists are working on an OVINE growth hormone.
After a few weeks with their new coach, the players are now OVINE in their docility.

PISCINE (PIE seen) - relating to fish, of or like a fish
PISCINE eyes look only to the sides.
The diver was surrounded by PISCINE beauty.
The fisherman bragged about his trip but did not produce one PISCINE trophy.

PORCINE (POR sine) - relating to pigs or swine, like a pig
His mother reprimanded him for his PORCINE manners.
His PORCINE appearance was unattractive to women.
Children's literature has many beloved PORCINE characters.

SERPENTINE (SER pen tine) - relating to serpents, resembling a serpent in form or movement, sinuous, winding, having qualities of a serpent, subtle, sly
The river follows a SERPENTINE course to the sea.
In one of her most famous poems, Emily Dickinson describes a SERPENTINE
  encounter. (The poem begins with "A narrow fellow in the grass." Emily's poems
  don't have titles.)

TAURINE (TOR ine) - relating to bulls, of or like a bull
There are many TAURINE stories in Greek mythology.

URSINE (ER sine) - relating to bears, like a bear
Scientists are intrigued by the URSINE habit of hibernation.
Our campground had some URSINE visitors last night.
The hikers told the rangers about an URSINE encounter.

VULPINE (VUL pine) - relating to foxes, like a fox, sneaky, crafty, cunning
The VULPINE face of the defendant made him look guilty.
He has a long face with a VULPINE expression.

The Romans Had a Phrase for It (Latin phrases common in English)

This post is not about Latin word parts; it's about Latin words and phrases that have been adopted into English in their entirety and are commonly used today. Each definition will begin with the literal Latin translation.


AD ABSURDUM (AHD ahb SERD UM) - means "to the absurd" - to a ridiculous conclusion
He continued his argument AD ABSURDUM.

AD HOC (AHD HOK) - means "for this" - for a specific purpose; formed, usually temporarily, for a particular purpose or for immediate needs
The faculty formed an AD HOC committee to deal with raising funds.
Discretionary funds are spent AD HOC by the principal.
He is employed by the company on an AD HOC basis.

AD HOMINEM (ahd HOM ih nem) - means "toward the man" or "against the man" - describes attacking an opponent's character rather than focusing on the issues, appealing to emotion and prejudice rather than facts, personal
Political debates sometimes consist of AD HOMINEM attacks rather than serious 
  discussion.

AD INFINITUM (AHD in fin EYE tum) - means "to the infinite" - endlessly, forever, to an indefinite degree or extent, without end or limit
He complains about things AD INFINITUM.

AD NAUSEAM (AHD NOW zee ahm) - means "to seasickness" - to the point of nausea or disgust
Sometimes news stories are repeated AD NAUSEAM on television.
The boring lecture continued AD NAUSEAM.

A FORTIORI (AH for tee OR ee) - means "from the stronger" - even more certainly, all the more, for a stronger reason
If taking care of a toddler keeps a mother busy, then, A FORTIORI, taking care of
  triplets is even more challenging.

ALMA MATER (AHL muh MAH ter) - means "nurturing mother" or "fostering mother" - the college or university where a person was educated, symbolizing that the university is the bounteous, nurturing mother of all its graduates
At football games, alumni wear the colors and sing the anthem of their ALMA
  MATER.

ALTER EGO (OL ter E go) - means "another I" - other self, second self, a trusted friend or representative, the opposite side of a personality, the person most like you in temperament and taste
His chief advisor is a trusted aide and a political ALTER EGO.
Mr. Hyde was the ALTER EGO to Dr. Jekyll.
He trusted his ALTER EGO as much as he trusted himself.

AMICUS CURIAE (uh MEE kus KYOOR ee ay) - means "friend of the court" - a disinterested advisor, someone who gives advice or presents a brief in a legal case in which he is not involved
He appeared in court as AMICUS CURIAE.

ANNUS MIRABILIS (AHN nus mee RAH bih lis) - means "wonderful year" - a remarkable or auspicious year, a year in which great events occur
His ANNUS MIRABILIS was 2000, the year he was married.
The year 1809 is considered an ANNUS MIRABILIS because it produced many
   important people, including Lincoln, Darwin, Poe, Braille, Tennyson, and Oliver
  Wendell Holmes.

A PRIORI (ah pree OR ee) - means "from the former" or "from what is before" - from what is already known, reasoned from self-evident propositions, relating to knowledge derived through the power of reasoning and not through observed facts, arguing from cause to effect, deductively
A PRIORI reasoning is based on assumptions derived from prior knowledge.

BONA FIDE (BO nuh fide) - means "in good faith" - made in good faith, authentic, genuine, sincere
He made a BONA FIDE offer to buy the land.
Her fiance gave her a watch that was a BONA FIDE antique.

CARPE DIEM (KAR pay DEE em) - means "pluck the day," as in plucking a fruit, usually translated as "seize the day" -  seize the moment, enjoy the moment without worrying about the future, make the most of today
When the invitation was extended, I told myself, "CARPE DIEM," and then I gladly accepted.

CAVEAT EMPTOR (KAH vee aht EMP tor) - means "Let the buyer beware" - a warning that the buyer must assume the risk of something purchased without a guarantee or warranty
If you're buying something on the street, the rule is "CAVEAT EMPTOR."

CAVE CANEM (KAH vay KAHN em) - means "beware of the dog"
The doors of many Roman homes were inscribed with the friendly warning "CAVE CANEM."

CORNU COPIAE (KOR noo KO pee ay) - means "horn of plenty" - also written as one word meaning "full horn" - a symbol of abundance and a bountiful harvest
The CORNUCOPIA is a common symbol of the Thanksgiving holiday.

CORPUS DELICTI (KOR pus duh LIK ti) - means "body of the crime" - a legal phrase meaning evidence that a crime has been committed; the facts necessary to prove that a crime has been committed; the actual material upon which a crime has been committed, such as a murdered body for the crime of murder or a burned building for the crime of arson; concrete evidence of a crime, especially the body of a murdered person
The police can't prove their case without the CORPUS DELICTI.
Without a CORPUS DELICTI, the district attorney cannot seek an indictment.

CUI BONO? (KOO ee BO no) - means  "to whom the good?" - for whose advantage?, for whose gain?
"CUI BONO?" is one of the first questions detectives ask as they try to solve a crime.

CUM GRANO SALIS (KUM GRAH no SAHL is) - means "with a grain of salt" - with some caution or reserve, with reservation, implying that one does not fully believe someone
I listened to his explanation CUM GRANO SALIS.

CUM LAUDE (KUM  LOW dee) - means "with praise" - with distinction, written on a degree to designate work of superior merit
She's a CUM LAUDE graduate of UCLA.

DE FACTO (day FAK to) - means "from the fact" - in fact, actual, in reality, being such in reality but not officially, having the substance but not the formal name
The countries were in a DE FACTO state of war, even though there had been no 
  official declaration.

DE JURE (day YOOR ee) - means "by right" - sanctioned by law, by right of law, as opposed to "de facto"
He is recognized as the country's DE JURE president.

DEO GRATIAS (DAY o GRAHT see ahs) - means "thanks to God" - thanks be to God
When the boring movie ended, we said "Deo gratias."

DEUS EX MACHINA (DAY us eks MAH kee nuh) - means "a god from a machine" - an unlikely but providential intervention; an unexpected occurrence that rescues someone from an apparently hopeless predicament; a favorite stage trick in classical drama in which a god is lowered from above to solve the entanglement of the plot; the device by which gods were suspended above the stage in a Greek theater; a reference to a power, event, person, or thing that comes in the nick of time to save the day, especially in a novel or play; providential intervention
A writer resorts to a DEUS EX MACHINA when he can't think of any other way to
  resolve the complexities of the plot.

DRAMATIS PERSONAE (druh MAT is PER suh nay) - means "the persons of the drama" - the characters in a drama or play, the cast, the characters in a novel, film, or even everyday life
At the beginning of the novel was a list of the DRAMATIS PERSONAE.

EX LIBRIS (EKS LEE bris) - means "from the books" - from the library of, an inscription of the owner's name in a book, a bookplate
They couldn't determine the owner of the book because it contained no EX LIBRIS
  label.
Each book in his library is labeled with an EX LIBRIS notation.

EX OFFICIO (EKS uh FEE shee o) - means "from the office" - in discharge of one's duty, by virtue of one's office
The CEO is a member EX OFFICIO of all important committees of the company. 

EX POST FACTO (EKS POAST FAK to) - means "from something done afterward" - done or made after the fact, retroactively, after the deed is done
The explanation he offered was really an EX POST FACTO excuse for his actions.

EX TEMPORE (EKS TEMP or ay) - means "from the time" - often written as one word - on the spur of the moment, impromptu, without premeditation or preparation, offhand, extemporaneously
The candidate addressed the reporters EX TEMPORE.
Because he was speaking EX TEMPORE, he made frequent gaffes.

HABEAS CORPUS (HAY bee us KOR pus) - means "you should have the body" - an order to appear in court, a feature of British and U.S. law that protects a person against arbitrary imprisonment by requiring that an arrested person be brought before a court for a formal charge
One of our most protective legal devices is the writ of HABEUS CORPUS.

HOMO SAPIENS (HO mo SAY pee enz)  - means "reasoning man" - man as a rational being, the human species of the genus of man, man's scientific classification
A misanthrope is contemptuous of HOMO SAPIENS.

IN ABSENTIA (IN ahb SEN shuh) - means "in his,her, or their absence" - often used in reference to those who are not present when they receive a university degree or are convicted or cleared of a crime
Because he was out of the country, he received the award IN ABSENTIA.

IN CAMERA (in KAH mer uh) - means " in an arched or vaulted chamber" - in a judge's private chambers, in secret or private session, in private, not in open court
The judge met with the attorneys IN CAMERA.

IN EXTREMIS (in eks TREE mis) - means "in the extremities" -  near death, in the last stages of life
Hearing that their grandfather was IN EXTREMIS, the family gathered at his bedside.
We thought the fish we caught was IN EXTREMIS, but it quickly swam away.

IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO (in fluh GRAHN tay duh LIK to) - means "while the crime is blazing" - in the commission of a crime, in the very act, red-handed
Because he was caught IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO, his attorney presented no defense
  and entered a plea.

IN LOCO PARENTIS (in LO ko par EN tis) - means "in the place of a parent" - acting as a guardian, taking the place or position of a parent
While his brother was sick, he acted IN LOCO PARENTIS for his nieces.
Anyone who has the responsibility of guardianship serves IN LOCO PARENTIS.

IN MEDIAS RES (IN MAY dee ahs RAYS) - means "into the midst of things" - into the middle of a story, into the midst of affairs
Some authors eschew introductions and plunge their readers IN MEDIAS RES.
  
IN MEMORIAM (IN mem OR ee ahm) - means "into memory" or "to the memory of"- in memory of, a common beginning of an epitaph or a memorial inscription
Most headstones are engraved with the words "IN MEMORIAM."

IN RE (IN RAY) - means "in the thing" - in reference to, concerning, in the matter of, referring to, regarding
IN RE the wedding plans, we've decided to hire a planner.

INTER ALIA (IN ter AH lee uh) - means "among other things" - among other matters
The mediocre food and slow service, INTER ALIA, turned me against that restaurant.

INTER NOS (IN ter NOAS) means "between us" - between ourselves  among ourselves, confidentially
INTER NOS, I think she's making a mistake.

IN TOTO (IN TO to) - means "in all" - as a whole, completely, entirely
They accepted his ideas IN TOTO.

IN UTERO (IN OO ter o) - means "in the uterus" or "in the womb" - unborn
Surgeries can now be performed IN UTERO.

IPSO FACTO (IP so FAHK to) - means "by the fact itself" - by that very fact
An immigrant, IPSO FACTO, is ineligible to be president.

LAPSUS LINGUAE (LAHP sus LING gway) - means "a lapse of the tongue" - a slip of the tongue
The announcer made an embarrassing LAPSUS LINGUAE at the game.

LAPSUS MEMORIAE (LAHP sus mem OR ee ay) - means "a lapse of memory" - a slip of the memory
She suffered a LAPSUS MEMORIAE during the test.
A LAPSUS MEMORIAE is often described as a "senior moment."

MAGNA CUM LAUDE (MAHG nuh KOOM LOW dee) - means "with great praise" - with great distinction, words written on a diploma to designate a quality of work higher than "cum laude" but lower than "summa cum laude"
She was awarded her degree MAGNA CUM LAUDE.

MAGNUM OPUS (MAG num O pus) - means "great work" -  the greatest, most significant achievement of an artist, writer, or composer, a person's crowning achievement
What do you think is Van Gogh's MAGNUM OPUS?
I wonder which work Mark Twain considered to be his MAGNUM OPUS.

MEA CULPA (MAY uh KOOL puh) - means "through my fault" - an admission of fault or guilt, part of the prayer said in confession in the Catholic Church, an exclamation of repentance
The convicted criminal said his MEA CULPA before the judge at sentencing.
He made a public MEA CULPA for his misdeeds.

MEMENTO MORI (muh MEN to MOR ee) - means "remember that you must die" - a grim reminder of mortality, a human skull symbolizing death and warning people to lead a good life and avoid damnation, an object serving as a reminder of death and saying "It's later than you think."
Experiencing a "senior moment" can be a MEMENTO MORI.
The ashes placed on people's foreheads on Ash Wednesday are meant to be a           
  MEMENTO MORI.
The symbols on the graves of early Puritans were a MEMENTO MORI to the living.  

MIRABILE DICTU (mir AH bu lay DIK too) - means "wondrous to tell" - wonderful to say, marvelous to relate
She answered the phone, and, MIRABILE DICTU, she heard the voice of her deployed husband!

MIRABILE VISU (mir AH bih lay VEE soo) - means "wonderful to behold" - marvelous to see
There before me, MIRABILE VISU, stood El Capitan!

NOLO CONTENDERE (NO lo cun TEN duh ray) - means "I do not wish to contend" - a plea by the defendant which does not admit guilt but offers no defense, the equivalent of a guilty plea but not an admission of guilt
He pled  NOLO CONTENDERE to the charges.

NON COMPOS MENTIS (NON KOM pos MEN tis) - meaning "not having control of one's mind" - not of sound mind, not in one's right mind, the legal term for any form of mental incapacity, mentally incompetent
After determining that the woman was NON COMPOS MENTIS, the judge appointed a
   conservator for her affairs.
He was declared NON COMPOS MENTIS and was not held legally responsible for his
   actions. 

NON SEQUITUR (NON SEK wih toor) - means "it does not follow" - a statement that does not follow logically from what was said previously, a conclusion that does not follow from the statements that led up to it, any statement that is not related to the topic under discussion and may seem ludicrous or inappropriate, a conclusion which does not follow from the premise,
We were having a great conversation until he threw in that NON SEQUITUR.

PER ANNUM (PER AHN um) - means "by the year" - every year, yearly, annually, often used in reference to a sum of money paid or received
We pay for our health insurance PER ANNUM.

PER CAPITA (PER KAP it uh) - means "by heads" - individually, for each person
They calculated their PER CAPITA expenses.
Connecticut has a high PER CAPITA income.

PER DIEM (PER DEE um) - means "by the day" - daily, a daily allowance for traveling expenses
Traveling sales representatives are often paid a PER DIEM.
Legislators are paid a PER DIEM when they are in session.

PER SE (PER SAY) - means "by itself" - intrinsically, essentially, without reference to anything or anyone else
Although he is not a lawyer PER SE, he has read extensively in the field.
What he did is not illegal PER SE, but it can be considered immoral.

PERSONA (NON) GRATA (per SO nuh NON GRAH tuh) - means " a person (not) welcome" - an acceptable person, a welcome guest, a term often used in reference to how an official representative of a foreign country is received by the host country - with "non," unacceptable or unwelcome
His untidy cooking habits made him PERSONA NON GRATA in the kitchen.
When diplomatic relations with that country were strained, our ambassador became
  PERSONA NON GRATA.

POST MORTEM (POAST MOR tem) - means "after death" - one word in English - an autopsy
The police waited for the results of the POSTMORTEM.

POST PARTUM (POAST PAR tum) - means "after childbirth" - one word in English
That hospital offers excellent POSTPARTUM care.
She suffered from POSTPARTUM depression.

PRIMA FACIE (PREE muh FAY shee ay) - means "on the first face" - on the surface, at first view, at first sight, based on the first impression
Possession of drugs is PRIMA FACIE evidence of guilt.
A PRIMA FACIE case is based on facts legally sufficient to establish its validity.

PRO FORMA (PRO FORM uh) - means "for the form" - as a matter of form, in the way of a formality, for the sake of form
Knowing that there was little chance of saving his client's life, the attorney made a
  PRO FORMA appeal for a stay of execution.


PRO TEMPORE (PRO TEM por ay) - means "for the time" - often shortened to "pro tem" - temporarily, for the time being
He is chairman PRO TEM of the committee.

QUID PRO QUO (KWID PRO KWO) - means "what for what" - one thing given in exchange for something else, something in return, compensation
The lawyer would not make a concession without a QUID PRO QUO.

RARA AVIS (RAH ruh AHV is) - means "a rare bird" - an unusual specimen, an extraordinary person, a prodigy
Many people think that an honest politician is a RARA AVIS.

RIGOR MORTIS (RIG or MOR tis) - means "stiffness of death" - the temporary
muscle rigidity that sets in after death, the stiffening of the body after death
The time of death can often be determined by the degree of RIGOR MORTIS.

SANCTUM SANCTORUM (SAHNK tum sahnk TOR um) - means "holy of holies" - a holy place, the office of an important person, a private room or retreat
The new member of the firm was honored to be invited into the chief partner's
  SANCTUM SANCTORUM.

SINE QUA NON (SIN ay KWAH NOAN) - means - "without which, not" - interpreted as "without which there is nothing" - something that's essential, vital, or indispensable; a necessity, an indispensable condition
To many chefs, olive oil is the SINE QUA NON of good cooking.
Warm winter clothing is a SINE QUA NON for living in New England.

STATUS QUO (STAT us KWO) - means "the state in which" - existing conditions, unchanged position
The town set up strict zoning laws to preserve the STATUS QUO.

SUB POENA (SUH PEE nuh) - means "under penalty" - written as one word - a formal writ ordering a person to appear in court or face penalty - can be a verb
After the accident, she was SUBPOENAED to appear in court as a witness.
I received a SUBPOENA to testify in court.

SUB ROSA (SUB RO zuh) - means "under the rose" - privately, confidentially, secretly
I was told the news SUB ROSA.
Some of the business deals were conducted SUB ROSA.

SUI GENERIS (SOO ee JEN er is) - means "of his, her, or their own kind" - in a class by itself, unique
As an American travel destination, the Grand Canyon is SUI GENERIS.

SUMMA CUM LAUDE (SOO muh koom LOW dee) - means "with highest praise" - words written on a diploma to designate work of the highest merit
She received her degree SUMMA CUM LAUDE.

TABULA RASA (TAHB yoo luh RAH suh) - means "erased tablet" or "a blank tablet" - a clean slate, the mind at birth, a mind before it acquires any knowledge, something in its original state, the mind before it receives any impressions
A newborn child is considered to be a TABULA RASA.

TERRA FIRMA (TEH ruh FERM uh) - means "firm land" - the land as distinguished from the sea, solid ground, dry land, a firm footing
After enduring such a turbulent flight, we were glad to set foot on TERRA FIRMA.

TERRA INCOGNITA (TEH ruh in kog NEE tuh) - means "unknown land" - a term used by Roman mapmakers for unexplored or uncharted land; an unknown or unexplored land, region, or subject; an unmapped area; any unexplored field of research,
I've been to New York City, but the rest of the state is TERRA INCOGNITA.
Realizing that Latin was TERRA INCOGNITA to him, I translated the proverb.
The land west of the Mississippi was TERRA INCOGNITA to the early settlers.
To a person who is "computer illiterate," the Internet is TERRA INCOGNITA.

VIA MEDIA (VEE uh MAY dee uh) - means "the middle way" - a moderate position, a way of compromise, a middle course
We hope the legislators can find a VIA MEDIA as they try to solve our country's
  problems.

VICE VERSA (VISE VER  suh) or (VI suh VER suh) - means "turned to be in place of" or "the position having been turned" - the other way around, conversely, the order having been changed
It's true that dogs chase cats, but not VICE VERSA.
During the divorce proceedings, it was obvious that she dislikes him, and VICE
  VERSA.

VOX POPULI (VOKS POP yoo lee) - means "the voice of the people" - popular sentiment or opinion, a term often used to describe interviews conducted on the street
The VOX POPULI interviews conducted by Jay Leno often reveal appalling
  ignorance. 
Successful politicians always listen to the VOX POPULI.
In a democracy, the government must listen to the VOX POPULI.
Opinion polls are one way for the VOX POPULI to he heard.

Putting In a Good Word (bon-Latin root for "good"; bene-Latin root for "well")

Just as Latin vocabulary is the heart of the vocabularies of the Romance languages
(French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian), Latin grammar is the basis for
their grammatical structures. Throughout the centuries, English vocabulary and grammar have been strongly influenced by Latin and by the Romance languages,   
especially French. In Latin grammar, converting an adjective, which usually told "what kind," into an adverb, which told "in what way" involved changing the suffix. In the previous post, "malus" followed that pattern; therefore, it came into English as one root, "mal," which means "bad" or "badly." The adjective "good," however, is irregular in Latin and in English; i.e., in forming the adverb it doesn't follow the pattern but instead becomes a wholly different word. The Latin "bonus" becomes "bene," and the English "good" becomes "well." (The adjective "well," which means "healthy," is an entirely different word from the adverb "well," which means "in a good way," and has no relevance here.) This post will  focus on two word parts: "bon," from the Latin adjective "bonus," meaning "good," and "bene," from the Latin adverb "bene," meaning "well." A word which contains "bene" or "bon" has a positive connotation.


The following English words are made from the root "bene," meaning "well":

BENEDICTINE  (ben uh DIK tin) - noun - a member of the religious Order of St. Benedict
Her uncle is a BENEDICTINE priest.

BENEDICTION  (ben uh DIK shun) - noun - literally "good saying" - speaking well, a blessing, an invocation of a blessing
The congregation filed from the church after the BENEDICTION.

BENEFACTION  (ben uh FAK shun) - noun - doing good, good deed, gift for a charitable purpose
The philanthropist was known for his frequent BENEFACTIONS.

BENEFACTOR  (BEN uh fak ter) - noun - literally "one who does good" - a person who does something good, one who gives help or financial assistance
Many alumni of the school were generous BENEFACTORS.

BENEFICE  (BEN uh fis) - noun - favor, a financial gift to a priest
The parishioner gave her pastor a BENEFICE.

BENEFICENCE  (ben EF ih sens) - noun - doing good through kindness or charity
The BENEFICENCE of its alumni allowed the school to give many scholarships.

BENEFICIAL  (ben uh FISH ul) - adjective - advantageous, having a good or helpful effect, productive of good
Eating fruits and vegetables is BENEFICIAL to your health.
Rest is usually BENEFICIAL to a person suffering from a cold.

BENEFICIARY  (ben uh FISH ee air ee) - noun - a person who receives a benefit or advantage, as from a will or an insurance policy
She was surprised to be named the BENEFICIARY of her aunt's will.
We are the BENEFICIARIES of the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers.

BENEFIT  (BEN uh fit) - noun or verb - an advantage, something that is helpful or profitable, to provide help or profit
The proceeds from the auction were used to BENEFIT a children's charity.
Scientists can find no BENEFIT in some nutritional supplements.
His new job has excellent fringe BENEFITS.

BENEVOLENCE  (buh NEV uh lens) - noun- wishing well, an inclination to do good, a kind or charitable act
They were grateful for the BENEVOLENCE of their neighbors.
He was admired for his BENEVOLENCE toward the poor.

BENEVOLENT  (buh NEV uh lent) - adjective - literally "wishing well" - wishing someone well, inclined to show kindness and good will toward others
The manager's BENEVOLENT attitude endeared him to his staff.
She often recalls her grandfather's wise words and BENEVOLENT disposition.

BENIGN  (buh NINE) - adjective - having a gentle and kind attitude or disposition, not cancerous or life-threatening, harmless
She showed  a BENIGN acceptance of her children's misbehavior.
He was relieved to hear that the tumor was BENIGN.
Scientists are always looking for a source of energy that is ecologically BENIGN.

NOTA BENE  (NO tuh BEE nee) - verb and adverb - observe well, take notice, note well, pay attention - a command used in memos and abbreviated as N.B.



The following words are derived from the root "bon," meaning "good":

BONA FIDE  (BO nuh fide) - adjective - Latin - in good faith, genuine, sincere, legitimate, without fraud, done without intent to deceive - opposite of "mala fide," meaning "in bad faith"
We need to find a BONA FIDE expert to advise us.

BONANZA  (buh NAN zuh) - noun - a rich vein of ore, something that yields unexpected wealth
The company they acquired turned out to be a BONANZA.

BON APPETIT (BON ah puh tee) - French - Have a good meal!
Julia Child closed every show with the words "BON APPETIT."

BONBON  (BON bon) - noun - a small candy
Would you like some of these delicious BONBONS?

BONBONNIERE  (bon bon YAIR) - noun - French - a fancy dish or box for bonbons
There was an array of BONBONNIERES on the sideboard.

BONHOMIE  (BON uh MEE) - noun - French - a genial good nature, good-heartedness, affability
His natural BONHOMIE made him popular with his peers.

BON MOT  (bon MO) - noun - pl. bons mots - French -  a witty saying,  clever remark,  repartee, memorable statement
His BON MOT was quoted repeatedly in the press.
His admirers savored his every BON MOT.

BONUS  (BO nus) - noun - a reward, an extra benefit, extra pay
Each worker was given a BONUS at Christmas.
We enjoyed the trip to Paris; the evening cruise on the Seine was a special BONUS.

BON VIVANT  (bo vee VAH) - noun - pl. BONS VIVANTS - French - a lover of good living, especially fine food and wine
People in Las Vegas remember Dean Martin for being a BON VIVANT.
The newspaper's food critic is known in town to be a BON VIVANT.
His income was not large enough to support his BON VIVANT lifestyle.

BON VOYAGE  (bo vwuh YAHZH) - noun - French -  Have a good trip!
BON VOYAGE! Enjoy every minute!

BOON  ( BOON) - noun - a benefit, blessing, gift, favor
Internet shopping is a BOON to those who don't like malls.
Your generous donation was a BOON to our campaign.
The wide range of anesthetics is a BOON to modern surgery.

BOUNTEOUS  (BOUN tee us) - adjective - giving freely, freely bestowed
We enjoyed the BOUNTEOUS feast laid before us.
The once-BOUNTEOUS fruit trees were destroyed by the storm.
His fans showered him with a BOUNTEOUS feast of attention.

BOUNTIFUL  (BOUN tuh ful) - adjective - plentiful, generous, munificent
The pilgrims gave thanks for a BOUNTIFUL harvest.
Saudi Arabia acquired its wealth from BOUNTIFUL oil fields.
The trout catch was BOUNTIFUL this year.
The BOUNTIFUL rewards provided by his work were a powerful incentive.

BOUNTY  (BOUN tee) - noun - a reward, a gift, generosity, payment for capture of a criminal, yield
We were thankful for the BOUNTY harvested from our garden.
The family enjoyed summer's BOUNTY of plump tomatoes. 
They watched a program about BOUNTY hunters.

PRO BONO  (PRO BO no) - adjective or adverb - shortened version of the Latin phrase "pro bono publico," which means "for the public good" - describes work that lawyers do for the poor, for which they charge no fee
He takes on many PRO BONO cases for his law firm.
I'll defend your son PRO BONO.

Announcing the Latin Root "Nunci"

A reader wanted to know why there was an "o" before the "u" in "pronounce" but not before the "u" in "pronunciation." This post is my response to that question.

The word part "nunci" comes from the Latin verb "nuntiare," which means "to declare" or "to proclaim." As time passed and the Romance languages evolved from Latin, the "t" in "nuntiare" gradually changed to a "c." The "o" in "nounce," added by the French, is dropped when Latin suffixes are added, but kept with the suffixes "ment" or "er." Words which contain the roots "nunci" and "nounce" are related to the act of declaring or proclaiming.
The following words come from the Latin root "nunci":

ANNOUNCE  (uh NOUNS) - verb - to make known publicly
      They will ANNOUNCE the winners tonight.

ANNOUNCEMENT (uh NOUNS ment) - noun - information given to the public
     At what time will the ANNOUNCEMENT be made?

ANNOUNCER  (uh NOUN ser) - noun - someone who makes knowledge public
     The ANNOUNCER spoke without a microphone.

ANNUNCIATION  (uh nun see AY shun) - noun - the act of announcing, the
making known to Mary by the angel Gabriel that she would be the mother of Jesus
     The ANNUNCIATION is described in the Gospel of Luke.

DENOUNCE  (dee NOUNS) - verb - accuse publicly, inform against, censure, condemn
     The new play was DENOUNCED by the critics.

DENUNCIATION  (dee nun see AY shun) - noun - act of informing against, act of censure, act of accusing publicly, public condemnation
      The dissidents wrote a vigorous DENUNCIATION of the government.

DENUNCIATORY  (dee NUN see uh tor ee) - adjective - characterized by informing
   against or condemning publicly
       His DENUNCIATORY speech against the leaders inflamed the crowd.

ENUNCIATE  (ee NUN see ate) - verb - to pronounce carefully
      She can't ENUNCIATE clearly because she just had dental work.
      Sometimes important lines in a play aren't heard because actors don't 
         ENUNCIATE.                                                   
                        
ENUNCIATION  (ee nun see AY shun) - noun - careful pronunciation, articulation
     Tongue twisters are helpful in improving ENUNCIATION.

NUNCIATE  (NUN  see ate) - noun -  messenger,  announcer
      The Pope communicated with the bishops through his NUNCIATE.

NUNCIATIVE  (NUN see ay tiv) - adjective - conveying messages, making an
announcement
       They'll be making a NUNCIATIVE statement shortly.

NUNCIATURE  (NUN see uh chur) - noun - the office of the nuncio, embassy of
the Vatican, diplomatic post or mission
     There are Catholic NUNCIATURES in almost every country.

NUNCIO  (NUN see oh) - noun - messenger, papal representative, ecclesiastical diplomatic title, envoy
     That priest served as NUNCIO to Germany

PRONOUNCE  (pro NOUNS) - verb - declare, articulate, say in a particular manner,
declare officially
     Try to PRONOUNCE your words distinctly.
     She finds French words hard to PRONOUNCE.
     I now PRONOUNCE you man and wife.
     He was PRONOUNCED dead upon arrival at the hospital.
    The judge will PRONOUNCE sentence today.

PRONOUNCEMENT (pro NOUNS ment) - noun - declaration, formal announcement, authoritative statement, opinion, decision
     The committee made no PRONOUNCEMENT in the matter.
     The CEO made an important PRONOUNCEMENT on a change in company policy.

PRONUNCIATION  (pro nun see AY shun) - noun - articulation; utterance; manner in which a word is uttered; way in which a word, syllable, or letter is sounded
      Which pronunciation of "tomato" do you prefer?

RENOUNCE  (ree NOUNS) - verb - retract, revoke, abdicate, give up formally, reject, disown, repudiate
       He RENOUNCED his old way of living.
       Many of the dictator's former supporters have RENOUNCED him.
       When she became a citizen of Italy, she RENOUNCED her American citizenship.
       After visiting his doctor, he RENOUNCED smoking.
       The monk RENOUNCED his worldly possessions.
       He RENOUNCED his claim to the throne.
       
RENUNCIATION (ree nun see AY shun) - noun - the act of giving up or putting aside voluntarily, giving up by formal declaration, relinquishing something, ascetic self-denial
       The nun's vows included RENUNCIATION of all wealth.
       The settlement required a RENUNCIATION of all claims to compensation.

Bad Words! (mal - Latin root for "bad")

The Latin word part "mal" means "bad," "badly," or "evil," and words made from "mal" have negative overtones.
The following English words contain "mal":

DISMAL (DIZ mul) - adjective - causing misery or gloom (from the Latin for "bad
days," which were marked on calendars)
      Because of the DISMAL reports, the managers devised a new strategy.

GRAND MAL (grahn mahl) - noun or adjective - the severe form of an epileptic seizure (from the French for "great sickness")
       The patient suffered a GRAND MAL seizure.

MALADJUSTED (MAL uh jus tid) - adjective - badly adjusted, unable to adjust to the stresses of daily life, out of harmony with one's environment
    The MALADJUSTED child is being treated by a therapist.

MALADROIT (MAL uh droit) - adjective - awkward, clumsy, unskilled, inept  (from Latin by way of French)
     Delicate artwork is difficult for a person who is MALADROIT.
     She was too MALADROIT to be a .good waitress.

MALADY (MAL uh dee) - noun - a bad condition of the body or mind, sickness, disease
      Asthma is a chronic MALADY.

MALAISE (muh LAZE) - noun - a vague feeling of uneasiness or illness (from Latin by way of French)
      Sometimes a seizure is preceded by a feeling of MALAISE.

MALAPROPISM (MAL uh prop iz um) - noun - a humorously inappropriate use of words
This word comes from Mrs. Malaprop, an eighteenth-century comedy character
who was known for such mistakes.
      A familiar MALAPROPISM is "May I sew you to a sheet?"
      His MALAPROPISMS produced howls of laughter.

MALAPROPOS (MAL ap ruh po) - adjective - inappropriate, not fitting ( from Latin by way of French)
       We were embarrassed by her MALAPROPOS behavior.

MALARIA (mal AIR ee uh) - noun - a disease carried by a mosquito, which was at first thought to be carried by bad air
       A protozoan parasite carried by the anopheles mosquito causes MALARIA.

MALCONTENT (MAL con tent) - adjective - dissatisfied, ill-tempered, rebellious
                                                       - noun - a person who is dissatisfied
        People ignored his complaints because he was known to be a MALCONTENT.
     
MAL DE MER (MAL duh MAIR) - noun - seasickness (from Latin by way of French)
        She declined the invitation to join the cruise because of her fear of 
        developing MAL DE MER.

MALEDICTION (MAL uh dik shun) - noun - literally "evil saying" - saying something bad, a curse
      As the criminal was led away by the police, he shouted angry MALEDICTIONS. 

MALEFACTOR (MAL uh fak ter) - noun - literally "one who does evil" - someone who does something bad, one who commits an evil deed, a criminal, an evildoer
     The police arrested the MALEFACTOR.

MALEFICENT (muh LEF uh sent) - adjective - causing something bad or harmful, having a harmful influence
       Alcohol has a MALEFICENT  effect on driving. 

MALEVOLENT (muh LEV uh lent) - adjective - literally "wishing evil" -  wishing something bad to happen to others, showing deep and strong ill will, having an evil intention, spiteful
       MALEVOLENT people often speak hurtfully to others.
       Hurricanes and tornadoes are MALEVOLENT forces of nature.

MALFEASANCE (mal FEE zens) - noun - evil conduct or wrongdoing, especially committed by a public official
      The senator was convicted of MALFEASANCE.

MALFUNCTION (mal FUNK shun) - noun - a failure to work properly (also a verb)
       The plane turned back because of an engine MALFUNCTION.

MALICE (MAL iss) - noun - ill will, deliberate intent to do harm
       Her comment was inappropriate, but it was spoken without MALICE.
      The act was not a joke; it was done out of MALICE.

MALICIOUS (muh LISH us) - adjective - characterized by evil intent, wanting to hurt another, spiteful
       The boy may be mischievous, but he is not MALICIOUS.
       She was the victim of MALICIOUS gossip.

MALIFEROUS (mal IF er us) - adjective - carrying disease, producing evil
        Some insects are MALIFEROUS.

MALIGN (muh LINE) - verb - to lie about, to slander, to defame, to speak ill of
        Gossip and rumors can MALIGN a person's reputation.
      
MALIGNANT (muh LIG nant) - adjective- causing harm, producing a bad outcome, cancerous
       She was relieved to learn that her tumor was not MALIGNANT.

MALINGERER (mal IN jer er) - noun - someone who pretends to be sick to avoid work
       If she's absent today she must be really ill; she is no malingerer.

MALNOURISHED (mal NUH rishd) - adjective - suffering from bad nutrition
       The prisoners were MALNOURISHED but otherwise unharmed.
       
MALNUTRITION (mal noo TRISH un) - noun - bad nutrition, the lack of nutrients needed for good health, a condition caused by a bad diet
      Millions of people suffer from MALNUTRITION.
      Eating a poor diet can lead to MALNUTRITION.

MALOCCLUSION (MAL uh kloo zhun) - noun - improper meeting of the upper and lower teeth
       The orthodontist is treating the child for MALOCCLUSION. 

MALODOROUS (ma O dor us) - adjective - having a bad smell
        The skunk's MALODOROUS scent is a protective mechanism.
        In a short time dead fish become MALODOROUS.

MALPRACTICE (mal PRAK tiss) - noun - professional misconduct, bad practice of one's profession
        After the botched surgery, the doctor was charged with MALPRACTICE;

MALTREATMENT (mal TREET ment) - noun - cruel treatment, abuse
         The guard was fired for his MALTREATMENT of prisoners.

PETIT MAL (puh TEE mahl) - noun or adjective - a mild form of an epileptic seizure (from French "small illness")
         Nobody noticed that he had a PETIT MAL seizure in class.