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List of Latin phrases (P)
List of Latin phrases (P)
from Wikipedia

This page is one of a series listing English translations of notable Latin phrases, such as veni, vidi, vici and et cetera. Some of the phrases are themselves translations of Greek phrases, as ancient Greek rhetoric and literature started centuries before the beginning of Latin literature in ancient Rome.[1]

Latin Translation Notes
pace [with] peace [to] "With all due respect to", "with due deference to", "by leave of", "no offence to", or "despite (with respect)". Used to politely acknowledge someone with whom the speaker or writer disagrees or finds irrelevant to the main argument. Ablative form of pax, "peace."
pace ac bello merita Service during peace and war Motto of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency shown on its flag
pace tua with your peace Thus, "with your permission"
Pacem in terris Peace on Earth 1963 encyclical by Pope John XXIII
pacta sunt servanda agreements must be kept Also "contracts must be honoured". Indicates the binding power of treaties. One of the fundamental rules of international law.
palma non sine pulvere no reward without effort Also "dare to try"; motto of numerous schools.
palmam qui meruit ferat He who has earned the palm, let him bear it. Loosely, "achievement should be rewarded" (or, "let the symbol of victory go to him who has deserved it"); frequently used motto
panem et circenses bread and circuses From Juvenal, Satires, book IV, satire X, line 81.[2] Originally described all that was needed for emperors to placate the Roman mob. Today used to describe any entertainment used to distract public attention from more important matters.
par sit fortuna labori Let the success be equal to the labor. This motto is of the families Buchanan, Lowman, and Palmer, according to Burke's Peerage & Baronetage.
parvus pendetur fur, magnus abire videtur The petty thief is hanged, the big thief gets away.
para bellum prepare for war From "Si vis pacem para bellum": if you want peace, prepare for war—if a country is ready for war, its enemies are less likely to attack. Usually used to support a policy of peace through strength (deterrence). In antiquity, however, the Romans viewed peace as the aftermath of successful conquest through war, so in this sense the proverb identifies war as the means through which peace will be achieved.
parare Domino plebem perfectam to prepare for God a perfect people motto of the St. Jean Baptiste High School
parati vero parati ready aye ready The motto of the Royal Canadian Navy.
parce sepulto forgive the interred it is ungenerous to hold resentment toward the dead. Quote from the Aeneid, III 13-68.
parens patriae parent of the nation A public policy requiring courts to protect the best interests of any child involved in a lawsuit. See also Pater Patriae.
pari passu with equal step Thus, "moving together", "simultaneously", etc. Also used to abbreviate the principle that in bankruptcy creditors must all get the same proportion of their debt.
parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus The mountains are in labour, a ridiculous mouse will be born. said of works that promise much at the outset but yield little in the end (Horace, Ars poetica 137) – see also The Mountain in Labour
parum luceat It does not shine [being darkened by shade]. Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria, 1/6:34 – see also lucus a nonlucendo
parva sub ingenti the small under the huge Implies that the weak are under the protection of the strong, rather than that they are inferior. Motto of Prince Edward Island.
parvis imbutus tentabis grandia tutus When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things. Motto of Barnard Castle School, sometimes translated as "Once you have accomplished small things, you may attempt great ones safely".
passim here and there, everywhere Less literally, "throughout" or "frequently". Said of a word, fact or notion that occurs several times in a cited text. Also used in proofreading, where it refers to a change that is to be repeated everywhere needed. See also et passim.
pater familias father of the family Or "master of the house". The eldest male in a family, who held patria potestas ("paternal power"). In Roman law, a father had enormous power over his children, wife, and slaves, though these rights dwindled over time. Derived from the phrase pater familias, an Old Latin expression preserving the archaic -as ending for the genitive case.
Pater Omnipotens Father Almighty A more direct translation would be "omnipotent father".
Pater Patriae father of the nation A Latin honorific meaning "Father of the Country", or more literally, "Father of the Fatherland".
pater peccavi Father, I have sinned The traditional beginning of a Roman Catholic confession.
pauca sed bona few, but good Similar to "quality over quantity"; though there may be few of something, at least they are of good quality.
pauca sed matura few, but ripe Said to be one of Carl Gauss's favorite quotations. Used in The King and I by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
paulatim ergo certe slowly therefore surely Former motto of Latymer Upper School in London (the text latim er is concealed in the words)
paulatim sed firmiter slowly but surely Motto of University College School in London
pax aeterna eternal peace A common epitaph
Pax Americana American Peace A euphemism for the United States of America and its sphere of influence. Adapted from Pax Romana.
Pax Britannica British Peace A euphemism for the British Empire. Adapted from Pax Romana
Pax Christi Peace of Christ Used as a wish before the Holy Communion in the Catholic Mass, also the name of the peace movement Pax Christi
pax Dei peace of God Used in the Peace and Truce of God movement in 10th-century France
Pax Deorum Peace of the gods Like the vast majority of inhabitants of the ancient world, the Romans practiced pagan rituals, believing it important to achieve a state of Pax Deorum (The Peace of the gods) instead of Ira Deorum (The Wrath of the gods).
Pax, Domine peace, lord lord or master; used as a form of address when speaking to clergy or educated professionals
pax et bonum peace and the good Motto of St. Francis of Assisi and, consequently, of his monastery in Assisi; understood by Catholics to mean 'Peace and Goodness be with you,' as is similar in the Mass; translated in Italian as pace e bene.
pax et justitia peace and justice Motto of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
pax et lux peace and light Motto of Tufts University and various schools
Pax Europaea European Peace euphemism for Europe after World War II
Pax Hispanica Spanish Peace Euphemism for the Spanish Empire; specifically can mean the twenty-three years of supreme Spanish dominance in Europe (approximately 1598–1621). Adapted from Pax Romana.
pax in terra peace on earth Used to exemplify the desired state of peace on earth
Pax Indica Indian Peace Term for hegemony of India in its sphere of influence; adapted from Pax Romana; also a 2012 book by Shashi Tharoor
Pax intrantibus, salus exeuntibus Peace to those who enter, health to those who depart. Used as an inscription over the entrance of buildings (especially homes, monasteries, inns). Often benedicto habitantibus (Blessings on those who abide here) is added.
pax matrum, ergo pax familiarum peace of mothers, therefore peace of families If the mother is peaceful, then the family is peaceful. The inverse of the Southern United States saying, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."
Pax Mongolica Mongolian Peace period of peace and prosperity in Asia during the Mongol Empire
pax optima rerum peace is the greatest good Silius Italicus, Punica (11,595); motto of the university of Kiel
Pax Romana Roman Peace period of relative prosperity and lack of conflict in the early Roman Empire
Pax Sinica Chinese Peace period of peace in East Asia during times of strong Chinese hegemony
Pax tecum peace be with you (singular)
Pax tibi, Marce, Evangelista meus. Hic requiescet corpus tuum. Peace to you, Mark, my Evangelist. Here will rest your body.
Legend states that when the evangelist went to the lagoon where Venice would later be founded, an angel came and said this.[3] The first part is depicted as the note in the book shown opened by the lion of St Mark's Basilica, Venice; registered trademark of the Assicurazioni Generali, Trieste.[4] Part of Venice's coat of arms: a winged lion holding a sword upright and showing an opened book with the words: "Pax tibi, Marce, evangelista meus."
pax vobiscum peace [be] with you A common farewell. The "you" is plural ("you all"), so the phrase must be used when speaking to more than one person; pax tecum is the form used when speaking to only one person.
peccavi I have sinned Telegraph message and pun from Charles Napier, British general, upon completely subjugating the Indian province of Sindh in 1842 ('I have Sindh'). This is, arguably, the most terse military despatch ever sent. The story is apocryphal.
pecunia non olet money doesn't smell According to Suetonius' De vita Caesarum, when Emperor Vespasian was challenged by his son Titus for taxing the public lavatories, the emperor held up a coin before his son and asked whether it smelled or simply said non olet ("it doesn't smell"). From this, the phrase was expanded to pecunia non olet, or rarely aes non olet ("copper doesn't smell").
pecunia, si uti scis, ancilla est; si nescis, domina if you know how to use money, money is your slave; if you don't, money is your master Written on an old Latin tablet in downtown Verona (Italy).
pede poena claudo punishment comes limping That is, retribution comes slowly but surely. From Horace, Odes, 3, 2, 32.
pendent opera interrupta the works hang interrupted From the Aeneid of Virgil, Book IV
per By, through, by means of See specific phrases below
per angusta ad augusta through difficulties to greatness Joining sentence of the conspirators in the drama Hernani by Victor Hugo (1830). The motto of numerous educational establishments.
per annum (pa.) each year Thus, "yearly"—occurring every year
per ardua through adversity Motto of the British RAF Regiment
per ardua ad alta through difficulty to heights Through hardship, great heights are reached; frequently used motto
per ardua ad astra through adversity to the stars Motto of the Royal, Royal Australian and Royal New Zealand Air Forces, the U. S. State of Kansas and of several schools. The phrase is used by Latin Poet Virgil in the Aeneid; also used in H. Rider Haggard's novel The People of the Mist.
per aspera ad astra through hardships to the stars From Seneca the Younger; frequently used motto, sometimes as ad astra per aspera ("to the stars through hardships")
per capita by heads "Per head", i.e., "per person", a ratio by the number of persons. The singular is per caput.
per capsulam through the small box That is, "by letter"
per contra through the contrary Or "on the contrary" (cf. a contrario)
per crucem vincemus through the cross we shall conquer Motto of St John Fisher Catholic High School, Dewsbury
Per Crucem Crescens through the cross, growth Motto of Lambda Chi Alpha
per curiam through the senate Legal term meaning "by the court", as in a per curiam decision
per definitionem through the definition Thus, "by definition"
per diem (pd.) by day Thus, "per day". A specific amount of money an organization allows an individual to spend per day, typically for travel expenses.
per fas et nefas through right or wrong By fair means or foul
per fidem intrepidus fearless through faith
per incuriam through inadvertence or carelessness Legal term referring to a decision that was made by a court through a clear mistake or unawareness of something, such as forgetting to take some binding precedent into account
per literas regias
per lit. reg.
per regias literas
per reg. lit.
etc.
by royal letters by letters patent;
of academic degrees: awarded by letters patent from the King/Queen, rather than by a University[5][6]
per mare per terram by sea and by land Motto of the Royal Marines and (with small difference) of Clan Donald and the Compagnies Franches de la Marine
per mensem (pm.) by month Thus, "per month", or "monthly"
per multum cras, cras, crebro dilabitur aetas what can be done today should not be delayed
per os (p.o.) through the mouth Medical shorthand for "by mouth"
per pedes by feet Used of a certain place that can be traversed or reached by foot, or to indicate that one is travelling by foot as opposed to by a vehicle
per procura (p.p. or per pro) through the agency Also rendered per procurationem. Used to indicate that a person is signing a document on behalf of another person. Correctly placed before the name of the person signing, but often placed before the name of the person on whose behalf the document is signed, sometimes through incorrect translation of the alternative abbreviation per pro. as "for and on behalf of".
per quod by reason of which In a UK legal context: "by reason of which" (as opposed to per se which requires no reasoning). In American jurisprudence often refers to a spouse's claim for loss of consortium.
per rectum (pr) through the rectum Medical shorthand; see also per os
per rectum ad astra via rectum to the stars a modern parody of per aspera ad astra, originating and most commonly used in Russia, meaning that the path to success took you through most undesirable and objectionable places or environments; or that a found solution to a complex problem is extremely convoluted.
per risum multum poteris cognoscere stultum by excessive laughter one can recognise the fool
per se through itself Also "by itself" or "in itself". Without referring to anything else, intrinsically, taken without qualifications etc. A common example is negligence per se. See also malum in se.
per stirpes through the roots Used in wills to indicate that each "branch" of the testator's family should inherit equally. Contrasted with per capita.
per unitatem vis through unity, strength Motto of Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets
per veritatem vis through truth, strength Motto of Washington University in St. Louis
per volar sunata[sic] born to soar Frequently used motto; not from Latin but from Dante's Purgatorio, Canto XII, 95, the Italian phrase "per volar sù nata".
Perfer et obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim Be patient and tough; some day this pain will be useful to you. From Ovid, Amores, Book III, Elegy XI
periculum in mora danger in delay
perinde ac [si] cadaver [essent] [well-disciplined] like a corpse Phrase written by St. Ignatius of Loyola in his Constitutiones Societatis Iesu (1954)
perita manus mens exculta skilled hand, cultivated mind Motto of RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia
perge sequar advance, I follow from Virgil's Aeneid IV 114; in Vergil's context: "proceed with your plan, I will do my part."
Pericula ludus Danger is my pleasure Motto of the Foreign Legion Detachment in Mayotte
perpetuum mobile thing in perpetual motion A musical term; also used to refer to hypothetical perpetual motion machines
Perseverantia et Fide in Deo Perseverance and Faith in God Motto of Bombay Scottish School, Mahim, India
persona non grata person not pleasing An unwelcome, unwanted or undesirable person. In diplomatic contexts, a person rejected by the host government. The reverse, persona grata ("pleasing person"), is less common, and refers to a diplomat acceptable to the government of the country to which he is sent.
Pes meus stetit in directo My foot has stood in the right way (or in uprightness; in integrity) Motto of the Light Armoured Cavalry Regiment Santiago No 1, Spanish Army;[7] Psalm 26:12
petitio principii request of the beginning Begging the question, a logical fallacy in which a proposition to be proved is implicitly or explicitly assumed in one of the premises
pia desideria pious longings Or "dutiful desires"
pia fraus pious fraud Or "dutiful deceit". Expression from Ovid; used to describe deception which serves Church purposes
pia mater pious mother Or "tender mother". The delicate innermost of the three membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Pietate et doctrina tuta libertas Freedom is made safe through character and learning Motto of Dickinson College
pinxit one painted Thus, "he painted this" or "she painted this". Formerly used on works of art, next to the artist's name.
piscem natare doces [you] teach a fish to swim Latin proverb, attributed by Erasmus in his Adagia to Greek origin (Diogenianus, Ἰχθὺν νήχεσθαι διδάσκεις); corollary Chinese idiom (班門弄斧)
placet it pleases expression of assent
plaudite, cives applaud, citizens Said by ancient comic actors to solicit the audience's applause
plene scriptum fully written
plenus venter non studet libenter A full belly does not like studying I.e., it is difficult to concentrate on mental tasks after a heavy meal. The following variant is also attested: plenus si venter renuit studere libenter (the belly, when full, refuses to study willingly).
plenus venter facile de ieiuniis disputat A full belly readily discusses fasting. Hieronymus, Epistulæ 58,2
plurale tantum
pl.pluralia tantum
plural only nouns that only occur in the plural form
pluralis majestatis plural of majesty The first-person plural pronoun when used by an important personage to refer to himself or herself; also known as the "royal we"
pluralis modestiae plural of modesty
plus minusve (p.m.v.) more or less Frequently found on Roman funerary inscriptions to denote that the age of a decedent is approximate
plus ultra further beyond National motto of Spain and a number of other institutions
pollice compresso favor iudicabatur goodwill decided by compressed thumb Life was spared with a thumb tucked inside a closed fist, simulating a sheathed weapon. Conversely, a thumb up meant to unsheath your sword.
pollice verso with a turned thumb Used by Roman crowds to pass judgment on a defeated gladiator. The type of gesture used is uncertain. Also the name of a famous painting depicting gladiators by Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Polonia Restituta Rebirth of Poland
pons asinorum bridge of asses Any obstacle that stupid people find hard to cross. Originally used of Euclid's Fifth Proposition in geometry.
pontifex maximus greatest high priest Or "supreme pontiff". Originally an office in the Roman Republic, later a title held by Roman emperors, and later a traditional epithet of the pope. The pontifices were the most important priestly college of the religion in ancient Rome; their name is usually thought to derive from pons facere ("to make a bridge"), which in turn is usually linked to their religious authority over the bridges of Rome, especially the Pons Sublicius.
posse comitatus force of the county[8] Thus, to be able to be made into part of a retinue or force. In common law, a sheriff's right to compel people to assist law enforcement in unusual situations.
possunt quia posse videntur They can because they think they can Inscription on the back of Putney medals, awarded to boat race winning Oxford blues. From Virgil's Aeneid Book V line 231.
post aut propter after it or by means of it Causality between two phenomena is not established (cf. post hoc, ergo propter hoc)
post cibum (p.c.) after food Medical shorthand for "after meals" (cf. ante cibum)
post coitum After sex After sexual intercourse
post coitum omne animal triste est sive gallus et mulier After sexual intercourse every animal is sad, except the cock (rooster) and the woman Or: triste est omne animal post coitum, praeter mulierem gallumque. Attributed to Galen of Pergamum.[9]
post eventum after the event Refers to an action or occurrence that takes place after the event that is being discussed (similar in meaning to post factum). More specifically, it may refer to a person who is recounting an event long after it took place, implying that details of the story may have changed over time. (Some sources attribute this expression to George Eliot.)
post factum after the fact Not to be confused with ex post facto.
post festum after the feast Too late, or after the fact
post hoc ergo propter hoc after this, therefore because of this A logical fallacy where one assumes that one thing happening after another thing means that the first thing caused the second.
post meridiem (p.m.) after midday The period from noon to midnight (cf. ante meridiem)
post mortem (pm) after death Usually rendered postmortem. Not to be confused with post meridiem
Post mortem auctoris (p.m.a.) after the author's death The phrase is used in legal terminology in the context of intellectual property rights, especially copyright, which commonly lasts until a certain number of years after the author's death.
post nubila phoebus after the clouds, the sun Motto of the University of Zulia, Venezuela, as well as Hartford, Connecticut
post nubes lux out of darkness, light Motto of Cranfield University
post scriptum (p.s.) after what has been written A postscript. Used to mark additions to a letter, after the signature. Can be extended to post post scriptum (p.p.s.), etc.
post tenebras lux, or, post tenebras spero lucem after darkness, [I hope for] light from Vulgata, Job 17:12; frequently used motto
postera crescam laude I am going to grow in the esteem of future generations Motto of the University of Melbourne
praemia virtutis honores honours are the rewards of virtue  
praemonitus praemunitus forewarned is forearmed Common catch phrase of the title character of the novel Captain Blood
praesis ut prosis Lead in order to serve. Motto of Lancaster Royal Grammar School
praestant interna (coronae) what is inside is better (than the crown) Motto emphasizing that a person excels primarily through their inner virtues rather than their physical attributes or social rank—a topos in classical rhetoric, inspired in particular by the biblical figure of David who, according to the Old Testament (1 Samuel 17), triumphed over Goliath through faith, bravery and tactical intelligence, despite a physical disadvantage.[10] The theme is also recurrent in Greco-Roman mythology, for instance in the Labours of Hercules or Homer's Odyssey. Historically, court artists used this motto as a propaganda tool to reinforce the legitimacy of sovereigns—particularly absolute or divine right monarchs like Louis XIV—by praising their personal merits over mere hereditary claims to the crown, as in L'Automne (Autumn)[11] by Charles Le Brun.

The motto was sometimes associated with the symbol of the pomegranate[12] whose tasty arils are hidden inside a tough epicarp topped by a persistent calyx[13] shaped like a crown or, when viewed from above,[14] like the six-pointed Star of David, the pomegranate being, in Judeo-Christian and Masonic iconography and ornamentation, a traditional symbol of biblical royalty.

praeter legem after the law Legal terminology, international law
Praga Caput Regni Prague, Head of the Kingdom Motto of Prague from Middle Ages
Praga Caput Rei publicae Prague, Head of the Republic Motto of Prague from 1991
Praga mater urbium Prague, Mother of Cities Motto of Prague from 1927
Praga totius Bohemiae domina Prague, the mistress of the whole of Bohemia Former motto of Prague
pretium laborum non vile No mean reward for labour Motto of the Order of the Golden Fleece
pretiumque et causa laboris The prize and the cause of our labour Motto of Burnley Football Club; from Ovid's Metamorphoses, 4.739 (Latin)/English): "The Tale of Perseus and Andromeda": resoluta catenis incedit virgo, pretiumque et causa laboris. ("freed of her chains the virgin approaches, cause and reward of the enterprise.")
prima facie at first sight Used to designate evidence in a trial which is suggestive, but not conclusive, of something (e.g., a person's guilt)
prima luce at dawn Literally "at first light"
primas sum: primatum nil a me alienum puto I am a primate; nothing about primates is foreign to me A sentence by the American anthropologist Earnest Hooton and the slogan of primatologists and lovers of primates. Derived from homo sum, humani a me nihil alienum puto.
primum mobile first moving thing Or "first thing able to be moved"; see primum movens
primum movens prime mover Or "first moving one". A common theological term, such as in the cosmological argument, based on the assumption that God was the first entity to "move" or "cause" anything. Aristotle was one of the first philosophers to discuss the "uncaused cause", a hypothetical originator—and violator—of causality.
primum non nocere first, to not harm A medical precept. Often falsely attributed to the Hippocratic Oath, though its true source is probably a paraphrase from Hippocrates' Epidemics, where he wrote, "Declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future; practice these acts. As to diseases, make a habit of two things: to help, or at least to do no harm."
primus inter pares first among equals Position of the Ecumenical Patriarch in the Eastern Orthodox Church, position of the President of the Swiss Confederation among the members of the Federal Council, and a title of the Roman Emperors (cf. princeps).
principia probant non probantur principles prove; they are not proved Fundamental principles require no proof; they are assumed a priori.
principiis obsta (et respice finem) resist the beginnings (and consider the end) Ovid, Remedia Amoris, 91
principium individuationis Individuation psychological term: the self-formation of the personality into a coherent whole
prior tempore potior iure earlier in time, stronger in law “First in time, greater in right.”A maxim meaning that the law favors those who establish their rights earlier rather than later. This principle is often cited in private law to support the claims of prior creditors over later creditors.
pro aris et focis For altars and hearths The motto of the Royal Queensland Regiment, and many other regiments.
pro bono publico for the public good Often abbreviated pro bono. Work undertaken voluntarily at no expense, such as public services. Often used of a lawyer's work that is not charged for.
pro Brasilia fiant eximia let exceptional things be made for Brazil Motto of São Paulo state, Brazil.
pro Deo Domo Patria For God, home and country Motto of the University of Mary Washington
pro Deo et Patria For God and Country Frequently used motto
pro domo (sua) for (one’s own) home or house serving the interests of a given perspective or for the benefit of a given group.
pro Ecclesia, pro Texana For Church, For Texas Motto of Baylor University, a private Christian Baptist university in Waco, Texas.
pro fide et patria for faith and fatherland Motto of the originally Irish Muldoon family and of several schools, such as the Diocesan College (Bishops) in Cape Town, South Africa, and All Hallows High School in the Bronx, New York.
pro forma for form Or "as a matter of form". Prescribing a set form or procedure, or performed in a set manner.
pro gloria et patria for glory and fatherland Motto of Prussia
pro hac vice for this occasion Request of a state court to allow an out-of-state lawyer to represent a client.
pro multis for many It is part of the Rite of Consecration of the wine in Western Christianity tradition, as part of the Mass.
pro parte in part Frequently used in taxonomy to refer to part of a group.
pro patria for country Pro Patria Medal: for operational service (minimum 55 days) in defence of the Republic South Africa or in the prevention or suppression of terrorism; issued for the Border War (counter-insurgency operations in South West Africa 1966–89) and for campaigns in Angola (1975–76 and 1987–88). Motto of The Royal Canadian Regiment, Royal South Australia Regiment, Hurlstone Agricultural High School.
pro patria vigilans watchful for the country Motto of the United States Army Signal Corps.
pro populo et gloria for the people and glory Motto of HMS Westminster
pro per for self to defend oneself in court without counsel; abbreviation of propria persona. See also: pro se.
pro rata for the rate i.e., proportionately.
pro re nata (PRN, prn) for a thing that has been born Medical shorthand for "as the occasion arises" or "as needed". Also "concerning a matter having come into being". Used to describe a meeting of a special Presbytery or Assembly called to discuss something new, and which was previously unforeseen (literally: "concerning a matter having been born").
pro rege et lege for king and the law Found on the Leeds coat of arms.
pro rege, lege et grege for king, the law and the people Found on the coat of arms of Perth, Scotland.
pro se for oneself to defend oneself in court without counsel. Some jurisdictions prefer, "pro per".
pro scientia atque sapientia for knowledge and wisdom motto of Stuyvesant High School in New York City
pro scientia et patria for science and nation motto of the National University of La Plata
pro studio et labore for study and work
pro tanto for so much Denotes something that has only been partially fulfilled. A philosophical term indicating the acceptance of a theory or idea without fully accepting the explanation.
pro tanto quid retribuemus what shall we give in return for so much The motto of the city of Belfast; taken from the Vulgate translation of Psalm 116.
pro tempore for the time (being) Denotes a temporary current situation; abbreviated pro tem.
probatio pennae testing of the pen Medieval Latin term for breaking in a new pen
probis pateo I am open for honest people Traditionally inscribed above a city gate or above the front entrance of a dwelling or place of learning.
procedendo to be proceeded with From procedendo ad judicium, "to be proceeded with to judgment." A prerogative writ, by which a superior court requires an inferior one to rule on a matter it has neglected.
prodesse quam conspici To Accomplish Rather Than To Be Conspicuous motto of Miami University
prohibito I prohibit A prerogative writ, by which a superior court prohibits an inferior court from hearing a matter outside its jurisdiction; also called a writ of prohibition.
propria manu (p.m.) "by one's own hand"
propter vitam vivendi perdere causas to destroy the reasons for living for the sake of life That is, to squander life's purpose just in order to stay alive, and live a meaningless life. From Juvenal, Satyricon VIII, verses 83–84.
protectio trahit subjectionem, et subjectio protectionem Protection draws allegiance, and allegiance draws protection Legal maxim, indicating that reciprocity of fealty with protection
provehito in altum launch forward into the deep motto of Memorial University of Newfoundland
proxime accessit he came next the runner-up
proximo mense (prox.) in the following month Used in formal correspondence to refer to the next month. Used with ult. ("last month") and inst. ("this month").
pulchrum est paucorum hominum Beauty is for the few from Friedrich Nietzsche's 1889 book Twilight of the Idols
pulvis et umbra sumus we are dust and shadow From Horace, Carmina Book IV, 7, 16.[15]
punctum saliens leaping point Thus, the essential or most notable point. The salient point.
purificatus non consumptus purified, not consumed

References

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The List of Latin phrases (P) compiles notable Latin expressions beginning with the letter "P" that have endured in modern usage across English and other languages, drawing from classical Roman , , , and to convey concise ideas in fields like , , and . These phrases, often retaining their original form while serving as fixed idioms, exemplify the lasting influence of Latin on Western intellectual and professional discourse, with origins traceable to ancient authors such as Seneca and applications in contemporary legal and international contexts. Among the most prominent are , meaning "by heads" or equally per individual, commonly used in demographics and to denote distribution by population unit. Similarly, , translating to "per day," refers to daily allowances or rates, particularly in travel reimbursements and employment compensation. In legal settings, —Latin for "at first sight"—describes evidence sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless rebutted, forming a foundational concept in . Diplomatic terminology includes , or "person not welcome," a formal declaration allowing a host nation to expel a foreign for unwelcome conduct. Other influential entries encompass , short for pro bono publico meaning "for the public good," denoting voluntary legal services provided without fee to benefit underserved communities. A motivational motto, per aspera ad astra—"through hardships to the stars"—originates from Seneca's tragedy Hercules Furens and symbolizes perseverance amid adversity, adopted in emblems like state seals and narratives. Per se, meaning "by itself" or "in itself," underscores intrinsic qualities, frequently appearing in philosophical and legal arguments to isolate essential attributes. , or "for the sake of form," indicates actions performed as formalities, such as preliminary in . This collection highlights how such phrases preserve Roman rhetorical precision, enabling succinct expression of complex concepts while bridging ancient wisdom with modern applications in policy, ethics, and culture.

Introduction

Definition and Scope

Latin phrases constitute short, memorable expressions originating from classical Latin literature and rhetoric, frequently adopted into English as loanwords to convey emphasis, precision, or tradition in contexts such as mottos, legal terminology, and academic discourse. These phrases often retain their original form while integrating into modern usage, reflecting Latin's enduring influence on English vocabulary through historical borrowings, particularly in specialized fields like law and science. For instance, a significant portion of English vocabulary, approximately 28%, derives from Latin according to analyses of the Oxford English Dictionary, including many multi-word phrases that entered during the Renaissance and later periods to enrich formal registers. This article's scope is limited to Latin phrases that begin with "P" in their standardized classical form, encompassing variants such as those derived from roots like "pax" (peace) and common abbreviations, but excluding extended full sentences unless they have evolved into idiomatic units fixed in usage. The focus prioritizes brevity and idiomatic integrity, drawing from nominative, ablative, and other grammatical constructions typical of , while adhering to conventions where phrases are treated as uninflected borrowings in English. This delineation ensures a targeted compilation without overlapping into broader sentential proverbs or non-"P"-initial entries. Selection criteria emphasize phrases with established common usage across , , , or contemporary applications, prioritizing those with verifiable frequency in authoritative references and historical persistence. Etymological notes are included for phrases traceable to specific classical authors, such as or , to highlight their literary origins where relevant. Representative examples illustrate structural diversity: ablative forms like "pace," the ablative singular of "pax" meaning "with peace" or "by leave of," used to express polite disagreement; and nominative constructions like "" ("agreements must be kept"), a foundational legal brocard originating in Roman and medieval traditions. These selections align with later thematic categories such as legal and literary expressions.

Historical Context

The Latin phrases beginning with "P" trace their origins to the ancient Roman Republic and Empire (c. 509 BCE–476 CE), where they emerged prominently in literature, rhetoric, and legal discourse as vehicles for expressing political, moral, and philosophical ideas. Poets such as Virgil incorporated phrases like parcere subiectis et debellare superbos ("to spare the conquered and overcome the proud") in the Aeneid (6.853), articulating Roman imperial ideals of clemency and conquest during the Augustan era. Similarly, Horace employed expressions such as parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus ("the mountains are in labor, a ridiculous mouse will be born") in his Ars Poetica (139), satirizing exaggerated efforts in poetic composition and reflecting the cultural wit of the late Republic and early Empire. The principle of keeping agreements, later encapsulated in the phrase pacta sunt servanda ("agreements must be kept") from medieval canon law but rooted in Roman jurisprudence including the Twelve Tables, began to formalize contractual obligations. These phrases, rooted in classical authors and orators, served to encapsulate enduring Roman values amid the expansion of the empire. During the medieval period (c. 476–1500 CE), Latin phrases starting with "P" evolved through Christian adaptation, particularly in and feudal , as the Church sought to impose order on fragmented . The Pax Dei ("Peace of God") movement, originating in around the late , prohibited violence against non-combatants during church councils, marking an early use of Latin to enforce authority in the initiatives. This phrase and related mottos, such as those invoking pax in monastic rules, blended Roman imperial concepts with , appearing in charters and oaths to curb feudal warfare. Key figures like church reformers integrated these expressions into sermons and legal documents, preserving Latin as the of medieval scholarship despite the rise of vernacular languages. The (c. 14th–17th centuries) and Enlightenment (c. 17th–18th centuries) witnessed a humanist revival of these phrases, emphasizing classical purity in , , and symbolism. Humanists like promoted the study of ancient texts, leading to the widespread adoption of mottos such as per aspera ad astra ("through hardships to the stars"), a inspired by Seneca's Hercules Furens (line 437: "non est ad astra mollis e terris via") but popularized in 16th-century and academic emblems to signify aspiration amid adversity. In legal texts, phrases like pecunia non olet ("money does not stink"), attributed to Emperor via ' Life of Vespasian (23.3–4), were revived to justify fiscal policies in emerging nation-states. This era's focus on ad fontes ("to the sources") integrated such expressions into and university curricula, bridging antiquity and modernity. In the modern era (19th–21st centuries), Latin phrases beginning with "P" persisted in international law, military traditions, and academia, adapting to global contexts while retaining classical resonance. Post-World War II, Pax Americana emerged to describe U.S.-led stability from 1945 onward, echoing Pax Romana in analyses of hegemonic peace. Earlier, 19th-century military insignias adopted mottos like per aspera ad astra for air forces, symbolizing perseverance. Contributions from satirists like Juvenal, whose panem et circenses ("bread and circuses") from Satires (10.81) critiqued imperial populism, continued influencing political discourse in legal and educational settings. These phrases underscore Latin's enduring role in articulating power dynamics across epochs.

Thematic Categories

Peace and Conflict Phrases

Latin phrases related to peace and conflict often encapsulate philosophical, imperial, and strategic concepts of stability, deterrence, and resolution, drawing from Roman antiquity through medieval and modern adaptations. These expressions, beginning with "P" , highlight the tension between harmony and warfare, frequently invoked to justify or advocate restraint. They have influenced mottos, historical analyses, and diplomatic , symbolizing enforced amid power dynamics. Pax Romana, meaning "Roman Peace," refers to the era of relative stability and prosperity in the from 27 BCE to 180 CE, initiated under Emperor and lasting through the reigns of the Five Good Emperors. This period was characterized by reduced internal , expanded infrastructure, and , though maintained through military enforcement rather than absence of conflict. The concept has been analogized to later imperial dominances, such as Pax Britannica, the "British Peace," denoting the global hegemony of the from 1815, following the , to 1914, marked by naval supremacy, colonial expansion, and facilitation of . In medieval , Pax Dei, or "Peace of God," emerged as a church-led movement around the to curb feudal violence by protecting non-combatants, such as clergy, peasants, and church property, through oaths and councils that limited warfare to specific times and targets. Complementing this, the earlier Roman Pax Deorum, "Peace of the Gods," described the ritualistic harmony between the state and deities, achieved via sacrifices, festivals, and auguries to prevent divine wrath and ensure societal prosperity. These phrases underscore ritual and institutional efforts to mitigate conflict's destructiveness. The maxim para bellum, shorthand for ("If you want peace, prepare for war"), originates from the late 4th-century military treatise Epitoma rei militaris by Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus, advocating armed readiness as a deterrent against aggression. This Virgil-inspired principle, echoing themes in the , has become a foundational for military doctrines emphasizing strength for stability. Variants like pax aeterna ("eternal peace") appear in Roman inscriptions and epitaphs to denote everlasting tranquility, often on coins or memorials symbolizing imperial benevolence. Similarly, pax et bonum ("peace and all good") and pax vobiscum ("peace be with you") serve as traditional farewells and tomb inscriptions evoking enduring or communal harmony. The binary aut pax aut bellum ("either peace or war") forms the of , a Scottish Highland lineage, reflecting their historical feuds and resolve in 14th-century conflicts. Beyond Roman and European contexts, these phrases inspired labels for non-Western hegemonies, such as , the "Mongol Peace," describing the 13th- and early 14th-century stability across under the , which enabled trade and cultural exchange despite initial conquests. Likewise, Pax Sinica, "Chinese Peace," applies to periods of East Asian dominance, notably the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, where tributary systems and cultural influence fostered regional order without constant warfare. These adaptations illustrate how "pax" motifs extend to symbolize any era of imposed equilibrium through superior power. Latin phrases beginning with "P" have long permeated legal and political discourse, originating from Roman and to encapsulate principles of , , and . These terms continue to influence modern , constitutional frameworks, and judicial proceedings, providing concise expressions for complex doctrines. In legal contexts, they denote binding obligations, equitable treatment, and procedural norms, while in politics, they evoke ideals or pragmatic ruthlessness. Pacta sunt servanda, translating to "agreements must be kept," stands as a cornerstone of , mandating that treaties bind parties in . This principle traces its roots to Roman contract law, where it emphasized the sanctity of pacts, and was formally codified in Article 26 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties in 1969, which states that every in force is binding upon the parties and must be performed by them in . It underpins diplomatic relations by ensuring stability, though exceptions arise under jus cogens norms or material breaches as outlined in the Convention's subsequent articles. Parens patriae, meaning "parent of the nation," refers to the state's inherent authority to act as guardian for vulnerable individuals, particularly minors and those deemed incompetent. Rooted in English and adopted , this doctrine empowers courts and governments to intervene in for , such as in disputes or welfare proceedings, where parental rights yield to the child's . It is frequently invoked in modern juvenile and cases to justify state oversight, balancing individual autonomy against public welfare. Pari passu, literally "with equal step," signifies equal ranking and treatment among creditors or obligations in financial and contexts. In lending agreements, it ensures that securities or debts share distributions without priority, promoting fairness in asset . This term, derived from Roman inheritance , appears in corporate bonds and proceedings to prevent preferential payments, as reinforced by statutes like the U.S. Code's equitable distribution provisions. Per curiam, denoting "by the court," describes a issued collectively by a multi-judge panel without attributing authorship to any individual . Commonly used in appellate courts, including the U.S. , it signals unanimity or routine matters, contrasting with signed opinions that detail individual contributions or dissents. Such decisions expedite resolutions for non-controversial cases while maintaining institutional authority. Per se, meaning "by itself" or "in itself," identifies actions inherently unlawful without requiring proof of specific , as in antitrust law where practices like price-fixing are deemed illegal outright under the Sherman Act. In tort law, it contrasts with per quod, which addresses consequential or indirect requiring extrinsic , such as in claims where harm stems indirectly from the act. These distinctions streamline litigation by presuming illegality or injury in clear-cut scenarios. In political rhetoric, —"father of the fatherland"—serves as an title bestowed on leaders exemplifying national guardianship, first granted to by the in 63 BCE for thwarting Catiline's conspiracy. It later adorned emperors like and persists in modern usage for figures such as U.S. presidents, symbolizing paternalistic stewardship. Conversely, per fas et nefas, "through right or wrong," critiques or justifies ruthless in politics, implying achievement by any means, fair or foul, as seen in analyses of authoritarian tactics.

Religious Phrases

Pax Deorum refers to the peace or concord between the Roman people and their gods, maintained through and sacrifices to ensure divine favor and avert calamity. In ancient Roman , this concept underscored the contractual nature of , where proper observance of rites propitiated the deities and secured prosperity for the state. The phrase highlights the emphasis on ritual precision, as disruptions in were seen as threats to communal harmony with the divine. This classical ideal of divine peace transitioned into Christian usage, notably in pax in terra, drawn from the angelic announcement at Christ's birth in Luke 2:14 of the : "Gloria in altissimis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis," proclaiming peace on earth to people of good will. In and , it symbolizes the eschatological peace brought by the , contrasting Roman propitiation with salvific . Peccavi, meaning "I have sinned," serves as a fundamental expression of repentance in both classical and biblical contexts, evoking the need for to restore divine favor. Rooted in themes of human frailty and contrition, it appears in scriptural narratives of confession, such as the prodigal son's plea in Luke 15:21. Beyond theology, the phrase gained historical notoriety through an apocryphal anecdote attributed to British General Charles Napier in 1843, who purportedly telegraphed "Peccavi" after conquering in , punning on "I have Sindh" while alluding to moral qualms over the act. In Christian creeds, Pater Omnipotens ("Father Almighty") affirms God's sovereignty, as articulated in the Athanasian Creed's declaration of the Trinity's shared : "Similiter omnipotens Pater, omnipotens Filius, omnipotens [et] Spiritus Sanctus." This phrase, integral to early doctrinal formulations, emphasizes the Father's eternal power while extending paternal imagery to in . Relatedly, Pater Patriae ("Father of the Fatherland"), originally a Roman for civic leaders, has been adapted in Catholic thought to evoke God's protective fatherhood over the faithful community, blending national and spiritual guardianship. Liturgical greetings like ("Peace of Christ") and Pax tecum ("Peace be with you") originate from New Testament encounters, particularly Jesus' post-resurrection words in :19, where he offers peace to his disciples. In the Roman Mass, these phrases facilitate the kiss of peace after the Our Father, symbolizing ecclesial unity and Christ's reconciling presence, as prescribed in early Church practice. Pater peccavi ("Father, I have sinned"), echoing the prodigal son's confession in :21, forms the traditional opening of the sacrament of penance, inviting absolution through humble acknowledgment of fault. Devotional mottos such as Per crucem vincemus ("Through the cross we shall conquer") encapsulate , portraying the Passion as the path to triumph over and . Employed in educational and institutional contexts, it draws from patristic reflections on , reinforcing faith's victorious dimension in trials.

Educational Mottos

Educational mottos using Latin phrases beginning with "P" often emphasize perseverance, truth, and , inspiring students and institutions to pursue excellence through challenge and . These phrases, drawn from classical sources, are adopted by schools, universities, and educational organizations to encapsulate core values of effort, resilience, and enlightenment. "Palma non sine pulvere," translating to "No palm without ," symbolizes that rewards require effort and toil, evoking the image of athletes earning victory palms amid the of . This phrase serves as the for Korowa Anglican Girls' in , where it underscores the necessity of hard work for achievement. "Parati vero parati," meaning "Ready aye ready," conveys unwavering and resilience, originally a naval motto but adapted for educational contexts to foster readiness in learning and . It is adopted by various educational institutions and the Royal Canadian Navy, highlighting commitment to service and . "," or "Through hardships to the stars," is inspired by sentiments in Seneca the Younger's Hercules Furens and serves as the motto of the Royal Air Force, illustrating the difficult path to greatness. It has been embraced by various educational institutions to motivate aspiration amid adversity. A variant, "Per aspera ad astra" or " per aspera," stresses perseverance through difficulties to reach lofty goals, serving as the official state motto of since the 19th century. It inspires educational programs in the state, symbolizing triumph over challenges in pursuit of knowledge. "Per veritatem vis," meaning "Strength through truth," was adopted in 1915 as the of , emphasizing and the power derived from pursuing verifiable knowledge. This phrase guides the university's commitment to rigorous scholarship and ethical inquiry. Other institutional examples include "Pax et lux," or "Peace and light," the of since 1857, promoting an environment of calm enlightenment and in education. Similarly, "Parva sub ingenti," translating to "The small under the huge," appears on the of and reflects the province's educational ethos of growth under greater protection, as noted in official provincial descriptions.

Literary Expressions

The section on literary expressions encompasses Latin phrases beginning with "P" drawn from classical Roman poetry, satire, and proverbial traditions, often serving to convey philosophical insights or social critique through wit and irony. These expressions, rooted in works by authors such as , , , and , reflect themes of human folly, endurance, and moral ambiguity, influencing later literary and cultural discourse. One prominent example is ("bread and circuses"), coined by the satirist in his Satires (Book 10, lines 78–81, c. 100 CE), to lambast the Roman populace's apathy toward governance in favor of superficial provisions of food and spectacles provided by emperors. This phrase encapsulates Juvenal's broader critique of societal decay, where citizens relinquish civic duties for immediate gratification, a motif echoed in his observation that the people, once concerned with arms and tribunes, now seek only these base appeasements. Horace contributes several enduring idioms in his poetic oeuvre, including parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus ("the mountains are in labor, a ridiculous mouse will be born") from the Ars Poetica (line 139, c. 19 BCE), which mocks efforts that build great expectation but yield trivial outcomes, serving as a caution against bombastic pretension in literature and life. Similarly, raro antecedentem scelestum deseruit pede poena claudo ("punishment with its limping foot seldom deserts the wicked criminal before him") appears in Horace's Odes (Book 3, Ode 2, line 31, 23 BCE), illustrating the theme of inevitable, if delayed, retribution for wrongdoing, a philosophical nod to divine justice's unhurried pace. Ovid's Amores (Book 3, Elegy 11, line 7, c. 16 BCE) offers perfer et obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim ("be patient and endure; this pain will be useful to you someday"), a stoic exhortation to perseverance amid suffering, suggesting that adversity forges character and provides future strength, drawn from the poet's reflection on love's torments. Complementing these poetic sentiments is the proverbial per risum multum poteris cognoscere stultum ("by much laughter you will recognize the fool"), a piece of classical wisdom highlighting excess laughter as a marker of foolishness, emphasizing moderation in emotional displays. Satirical elements also feature prominently, as in ("money does not stink"), attributed to Vespasian in Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars (Vespasian 23.3, c. 121 CE), recounting the ruler's retort to his son upon taxing public urine collection for tanneries and laundries, underscoring a pragmatic view that the source of wealth matters little to its value. This quip, preserved in Suetonius' biographical narrative, exemplifies Roman humor in , portraying Vespasian's shrewdness amid moral qualms about revenue from base origins.

Medical Shorthand

In medical contexts, per os (abbreviated as p.o.) denotes administration of or by , indicating oral intake as opposed to intravenous or other routes. This term originates from Latin usage in and remains standard in prescriptions worldwide. Similarly, per rectum (p.r.) refers to the rectal route for , commonly used for suppositories or enemas to achieve rapid absorption or bypass gastrointestinal issues. It is frequently employed in clinical settings for treatments like pain relief or antiemetics. Per diem, meaning "per day" or "for each day," is used in healthcare and travel reimbursements to signify a daily allowance for expenses, such as meals and during trips. In , it may cover daily hospital charges. This phrase has been adopted into English administrative language since the .

Everyday Expressions

Passim, translating to "here and there" or "throughout," is a bibliographic term indicating that a , idea, or example appears scattered across a text rather than in a single location. It is commonly used in academic footnotes to avoid listing every instance. Per capita, literally "by heads," measures quantities allocated or averaged per person, essential in demographics, , and statistics for comparisons like GDP per capita or . Its usage in data analysis promotes equitable assessments across groups. The phrase pauca sed bona, or "few but good," emphasizes over , often applied to selections in writing, products, or advice. It encourages concise, high-value choices in professional and personal contexts.

Technical Terms

Per stirpes, meaning "by branch" or "by root," is a legal in where an estate is distributed to heirs according to family branches, ensuring descendants of a deceased receive their share. This contrasts with distribution and is codified in many jurisdictions' codes. Per incuriam, "through lack of care," describes judicial decisions made in ignorance of relevant or , rendering them non-binding or subject to review. It underscores the importance of thorough in . The phrase cras, cras ("tomorrow, tomorrow"), a medieval proverb warning against procrastination implying endless delay, is sometimes associated with Horace's sentiments on the future in his Odes. It serves as a proverbial reminder in motivational and literary discussions.

Other Phrases

Parce sepulto, "spare the buried," from Virgil's Aeneid (Book 6), advocates mercy toward the dead, often invoked in contexts of posthumous judgment or forgiveness. It highlights themes of piety in classical ethics. Pendent opera interrupta, "the unfinished works hang," also from Virgil's Aeneid (Book 6), metaphorically refers to abandoned projects that remain suspended, symbolizing regret over incompletion. It is cited in discussions of and legacy. Per capsulam, "by capsule," historically means "by letter" or "via sealed document," used in correspondence or official missives. In modern niche uses, it can denote encapsulated delivery. Finally, per pedes, "by feet" or "on foot," describes travel or movement, applied in , , or everyday . It contrasts with vehicular modes in planning contexts.

References

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