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List of Latin phrases (Q)
List of Latin phrases (Q)
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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
qua definitione by virtue of definition Thus: "by definition"; variant of per definitionem; sometimes used in German-speaking countries. Occasionally misrendered as "qua definitionem".
qua patet orbis as far as the world extends Motto of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps
quae cum ita sint these things being the case Or, "since these things are the case" or "Since things are this way". Cicero.
quae non posuisti, ne tollas do not take away what you did not put in place Plato, Laws
quae non prosunt singula multa iuvant what alone is not useful helps when accumulated Ovid, Remedia amoris
quaecumque sunt vera whatsoever is true frequently used as motto; taken from Philippians 4:8 of the Bible
quaecumque vera doce me teach me whatsoever is true motto of St. Joseph's College, Edmonton at the University of Alberta
quaere to seek Or "you might ask..." Used to suggest doubt or to ask one to consider whether something is correct. Often introduces rhetorical or tangential questions.
quaerite primum regnum Dei seek ye first the kingdom of God Also quaerite primo regnum dei; frequently used as motto (e.g. Newfoundland and Labrador)
qualis artifex pereo As what kind of artist do I perish? Or "What a craftsman dies in me!" Attributed to Nero in Suetonius' De vita Caesarum
Qualitas potentia nostra Quality is our might motto of Finnish Air Force
quam bene non quantum how well, not how much motto of Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada
quam bene vivas referre (or refert), non quam diu it is how well you live that matters, not how long Seneca, Epistulae morales ad Lucilium CI (101)
quamdiu (se) bene gesserit as long as he shall have behaved well (legal Latin) I.e., "[while on] good behavior." So for example the Act of Settlement 1701 stipulated that judges' commissions are valid quamdiu se bene gesserint (during good behaviour). (Notice the different singular, "gesserit", and plural, "gesserint", forms.) It was from this phrase that Frank Herbert extracted the name for the Bene Gesserit sisterhood in the Dune novels.
quantocius quantotius the sooner, the better or, as quickly as possible
quantum libet (q.l.) as much as pleases medical shorthand for "as much as you wish"
quantum sufficit (qs) as much as is enough medical shorthand for "as much as needed" or "as much as will suffice"
quaque hora (qh) every hour medical shorthand; also quaque die (qd), "every day", quaque mane (qm), "every morning", and quaque nocte (qn), "every night"
quare clausum fregit wherefore he broke the close An action of trespass; thus called, by reason the writ demands the person summoned to answer to wherefore he broke the close (quare clausum fregit), i.e. why he committed such a trespass.
quater in die (qid) four times a day medical shorthand
quem deus vult perdere, dementat prius Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad
quem di diligunt adulescens moritur he whom the gods love dies young Other translations of diligunt include "prize especially" or "esteem". From Plautus, Bacchides, IV, 7, 18. In this comic play, a sarcastic servant says this to his aging master. The rest of the sentence reads: dum valet sentit sapit ("while he is healthy, perceptive and wise").
questio quid iuris I ask what law? from the Summoner's section of Chaucer's General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales, line 648
qui audet adipiscitur Who Dares Wins The motto of the SAS, of the British Army
qui bene cantat bis orat he who sings well praises twice from St. Augustine of Hippo's commentary on Psalm 73, verse 1: Qui enim cantat laudem, non solum laudat, sed etiam hilariter laudat ("He who sings praises, not only praises, but praises joyfully")
qui bono who with good common misspelling of the Latin phrase cui bono ("who benefits?")
qui docet in doctrina he that teacheth, on teaching Motto of the University of Chester. A less literal translation is "Let those who teach, teach" or "Let the teacher teach".
qui gladio ferit gladio perit He who strikes a sword dies by the sword Or "live by the sword, die by the sword"; derived from Jesus's words in the garden of Gethsemane in the Gospel of Matthew 26:52, Omnes enim, qui acceperint gladium, gladio peribunt (for all who take up the sword shall perish by the sword).
qui habet aures audiendi audiat he who has ears to hear, let him hear "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear"; Mark Mark 4:9
qui me tangit, vocem meam audit who touches me, hears my voice common inscription on bells
qui tacet consentire videtur he who is silent is taken to agree Thus, silence gives consent. Sometimes accompanied by the proviso "ubi loqui debuit ac potuit", that is, "when he ought to have spoken and was able to". Pope Boniface VII in Decretale di Bonifacio VIII, Libro V, Tit. 12, reg. 43 AD 1294
qui prior est tempore potior est jure Who is first in point of time is stronger in right As set forth in the "Property Law" casebook written by Jesse Dukeminier, which is generally used to teach first year law students.
qui tam pro domino rege quam pro se ipso in hac parte sequitur he who brings an action for the king as well as for himself Generally known as 'qui tam,' it is the technical legal term for the unique mechanism in the federal False Claims Act that allows persons and entities with evidence of fraud against federal programs or contracts to sue the wrongdoer on behalf of the Government.
qui totum vult totum perdit he who wants everything loses everything Attributed to Publilius Syrus
qui transtulit sustinet he who transplanted still sustains Or "he who brought us across still supports us", meaning God. State motto of Connecticut. Originally written as sustinet qui transtulit in 1639.
quia suam uxorem etiam suspicione vacare vellet because he should wish his wife to be free even from any suspicion Attributed to Julius Caesar by Plutarch, Caesar 10. Translated loosely as "because even the wife of Caesar may not be suspected". At the feast of Bona Dea, a sacred festival for females only, which was being held at the Domus Publica, the home of the Pontifex Maximus, Caesar, and hosted by his second wife, Pompeia, the notorious politician Clodius arrived in disguise. Caught by the outraged noblewomen, Clodius fled before they could kill him on the spot for sacrilege. In the ensuing trial, allegations arose that Pompeia and Clodius were having an affair, and while Caesar asserted that this was not the case and no substantial evidence arose suggesting otherwise, he nevertheless divorced, with this quotation as explanation.
quibuscum(que) viis (and) by whatever ways possible Used by Honoré de Balzac in several works,[2] including Illusions perdues and Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes.
quid agis What are you doing? What's happening? What's going on? What's the news? What's up?
quid est veritas What is truth? In the Vulgate translation of John 18:38, Pilate's question to Jesus (Greek: Τί ἐστιν ἀλήθεια;). A possible answer is an anagram of the phrase: est vir qui adest, "it is the man who is here."
quid novi ex Africa What of the new out of Africa? less literally, "What's new from Africa?"; derived from an Aristotle quotation
quid nunc What now? Commonly shortened to quidnunc. As a noun, a quidnunc is a busybody or a gossip. Patrick Campbell worked for The Irish Times under the pseudonym "Quidnunc".
quid pro quo what for what Commonly used in English, it is also translated as "this for that" or "a thing for a thing". Signifies a favor exchanged for a favor. The traditional Latin expression for this meaning was do ut des ("I give, so that you may give").
Quid rides?
Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur.
Why do you laugh? Change but the name, and the story is told of yourself. Horace, Satires, I. 1. 69.
quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur whatever has been said in Latin seems deep Or "anything said in Latin sounds profound". A recent ironic Latin phrase to poke fun at people who seem to use Latin phrases and quotations only to make themselves sound more important or "educated". Similar to the less common omnia dicta fortiora si dicta Latina.
Quidquid non agnoscit glossa, non agnoscit curia Whatever the Glossa does not recognize, the court does not recognize.
quieta non movere don't move settled things
quilibet potest renunciare juri pro se inducto anyone may renounce a law introduced for their own benefit Used in classical law to differentiate law imposed by the state for the benefit of a person in general, but by the state on behalf of them, and one imposed specifically that that person ought to have a say in whether the law is implemented.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who will guard the guards themselves? Commonly associated with Plato who in the Republic poses this question; and from Juvenal's On Women, referring to the practice of having eunuchs guard women and beginning with the word sed ("but"). Usually translated less literally, as "Who watches the watchmen (or modern, 'watchers')?" This translation is a common epigraph, such as of the Tower Commission and Alan Moore's Watchmen comic book series.
quis leget haec? Who will read this?
quis, quid, ubi, quibus auxiliis, cur, quomodo, quando? Who, what, where, by what means, why, how, when? Compare the Five Ws. From Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica, but ancient authors provide other similar lists.
quis separabit? Who will separate us? motto of Northern Ireland and of the Order of St Patrick
quis ut Deus Who [is] as God? Usually translated "Who is like unto God?" Questions who would have the audacity to compare himself to a Supreme Being. It is a translation of the Hebrew name 'Michael' = Mi cha El Who like God מי/כ/ אל Hebrew: מִיכָאֵל (right to left).
quo errat demonstrator where the prover errs A pun on "quod erat demonstrandum"
quo fata ferunt where the fates bear us to motto of Bermuda
quo non ascendam to what heights can I not rise? motto of Army Burn Hall College
quod verum tutum what is true is right motto of Spier's School
Quo Vadimus? Where are we going? Title of the series finale of Aaron Sorkin's TV dramedy Sports Night
quo vadis? Where are you going? According to Vulgate translation of John 13:36, Saint Peter asked Jesus Domine, quo vadis? ("Lord, where are you going?"). The King James Version has the translation "Lord, whither goest thou?"
Quo warranto by what warrant? Medieval Latin title for a prerogative writ by which a court requires some person or entity to prove the source of some authority it is exercising. Used for various purposes in different jurisdictions.
quocunque jeceris stabit whithersoever you throw it, it will stand motto of the Isle of Man
quod abundat non obstat what is abundant doesn't hinder It is no problem to have too much of something.
quod cito fit, cito perit what is done quickly, perishes quickly Things done in a hurry are more likely to fail and fail quicker than those done with care.
quod erat demonstrandum (Q.E.D.) what was to be demonstrated The abbreviation is often written at the bottom of a mathematical proof. Sometimes translated loosely into English as "The Five Ws", W.W.W.W.W., which stands for "Which Was What We Wanted".
quod erat faciendum (Q.E.F.) which was to be done Or "which was to be constructed". Used in translations of Euclid's Elements when there was nothing to prove, but there was something being constructed, for example a triangle with the same size as a given line.
quod est (q.e.) which is
quod est necessarium est licitum what is necessary is lawful
quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur what is asserted without reason may be denied without reason If no grounds have been given for an assertion, then there are no grounds needed to reject it.
quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi what is permitted to Jupiter is not permitted to an ox If an important person does something, it does not necessarily mean that everyone can do it (cf. double standard). Iovi (also commonly rendered Jovi) is the dative form of Iuppiter ("Jupiter" or "Jove"), the chief god of the Romans.
quod me nutrit me destruit what nourishes me destroys me Cf. § quod sapit nutrit. Thought to have originated with Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe. Generally interpreted to mean that that which motivates or drives a person can consume him or her from within. This phrase has become a popular slogan or motto for pro-ana websites, anorexics and bulimics.[citation needed]
quod natura non dat Salmantica non praestat what nature does not give, Salamanca does not provide Refers to the Spanish University of Salamanca, meaning that education cannot substitute the lack of brains.
quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini What the barbarians did not do, the Barberinis did A well-known satirical lampoon left attached to the ancient "speaking" statue of Pasquino on a corner of the Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy.[3] Through a sharp pun the writer criticizes Pope Urban VIII, of the Barberini family, who reused stones and decorations from ancient buildings to build new ones, thus wrecking classical constructions that even the barbarians had not touched.
quod periit, periit What is gone is gone What has happened has happened and it cannot be changed, thus we should look forward into the future instead of being pulled by the past.
quod sapit nutrit what tastes good nourishes Ancient saying, promoted by Galen;[4] cf. § quod me nutrit me destruit
quod scripsi, scripsi What I have written I have written. Pilate to the chief priests (John 19:22)
quod supplantandum, prius bene sciendum Whatever is to be supplanted, [must] first be understood A caution against following a doctrine of Naive Analogy when attempting to formulate a scientific hypothesis.
quod vide (q.v.) which see Used after a term, phrase, or topic that should be looked up elsewhere in the current document, book, etc. For more than one term or phrase, the plural is quae vide (qq.v.).
quodcumque dixerit vobis, facite Whatever He tells you, that you shall do. More colloquially: "Do whatever He [Jesus] tells you to do." Instructions of Mary to the servants at the Wedding at Cana. (John 2:5). Also the motto of East Catholic High School.
quomodo vales How are you? Mainly in Neo-Latin, but also in John Jortin (1758), The Life of Erasmus, vol. 1, p. 196
quorum of whom the number of members whose presence is required under the rules to make any given meeting constitutional
quorum pars minima fui of whom I was a small part Attributed to notorious spy Kim Philby discussing his contribution to the status of Allen Dulles as a legendary clandestine officer[5]
quos amor verus tenuit tenebit Those whom true love has held, it will go on holding from Thyestes, Seneca the Younger
quot capita, tot sensus as many heads, so many perceptions "There are as many opinions as there are heads" – Terence
quot homines tot sententiae as many men, so many opinions Or "there are as many opinions as there are people", "how many people, so many opinions"
quousque tandem? For how much longer? From Cicero's first speech In Catilinam to the Roman Senate regarding the conspiracy of Catiline: Quo usque tandem abutere, Catilina, patientia nostra? ("For how much longer, Catiline, will you abuse our patience?"). Besides being a well-known line in itself, it was often used as a text sample in printing (cf. lorem ipsum). See also O tempora, o mores! (from the same speech).

References

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from Grokipedia
The List of Latin phrases (Q) is a curated compilation of expressions in Latin that begin with the letter Q, many of which have been adopted into English and other modern languages for their precision and brevity in conveying complex concepts across disciplines such as mathematics, law, medicine, and scholarship. Among the most prominent is quod erat demonstrandum (Q.E.D.), an abbreviation meaning "which was to be demonstrated," traditionally placed at the conclusion of a mathematical or logical proof to affirm that the intended result has been achieved. Similarly, quid pro quo, literally "something for something," refers to a direct exchange or substitution, originating in medieval pharmacology but now commonly applied in legal and political contexts to describe reciprocal arrangements. In medical prescriptions, quantum sufficit (q.s.) denotes "as much as is sufficient," instructing the preparation of an adequate quantity without exact measurement, a practice rooted in historical traditions. Scholarly writing frequently employs quod vide (q.v.), translating to "which see," as a directive to related content within a text. These phrases exemplify how Latin's enduring legacy enriches contemporary discourse, with the full list encompassing dozens more drawn from , , and everyday idiom.

Introduction

Scope and Methodology

This article focuses on Latin phrases beginning with the letter "Q" in their standard form, encompassing fixed expressions such as sayings, mottoes, proverbs, and idiomatic locutions derived from classical, medieval, or modern Latin usage that have influenced English and other languages. These phrases represent concise, often proverbial formulations rooted in ancient Roman literature, ecclesiastical writings, legal traditions, and scholarly discourse, selected for their enduring relevance across domains like law, medicine, academia, and culture. Inclusion criteria prioritize phrases demonstrating notable frequency and impact in primary sources, including classical texts by authors like and , medieval compilations, and modern applications in mottos or technical terminology; obscure terms or isolated words lacking phrasal structure are excluded to maintain focus on culturally resonant expressions. This approach ensures representation of phrases with verifiable and widespread adoption, drawing from authoritative compilations that emphasize common usage over exhaustive enumeration. Each entry follows a standardized format for clarity: the original Latin phrase appears in bold, followed by its literal English translation, and then contextual notes detailing , first known attestation, variant forms, or contemporary applications where relevant. This structure facilitates quick reference while providing depth on origins and , akin to entries in specialized Latin dictionaries that integrate historical and linguistic .

Historical Context

The letter Q holds a distinctive and relatively rare position in the Latin alphabet, consistently appearing only in conjunction with U to form the digraph "qu," which represents the labiovelar sound /kw/. This combination traces its origins to the Greek letter koppa (Ϙ), an archaic character derived from the Phoenician and adapted by the Romans to denote sounds before rounded vowels, particularly /u/. In Latin vocabulary, Q's scarcity stems from its limited phonetic role; unlike more versatile consonants like C or , it was reserved for specific environments, contributing to its infrequent occurrence in texts—estimated at approximately 1.5% of letter frequencies in classical corpora. The letter's usage often aligned with interrogative and relative roots, such as those in words denoting "how," "what," or "which," reflecting Indo-European interrogative particles that entered Latin through early phonetic developments. In classical Roman literature, phrases beginning with "qu-" emerged prominently in rhetorical and dramatic contexts, with the earliest notable examples appearing in the comedies of Plautus during the late 3rd century BCE, where they served to convey dialogue and inquiry. Authors like Cicero and Ovid further employed such constructions in oratory and poetry to enhance persuasive and expressive elements, drawing on "qu-" for questions and qualifications that structured arguments and narratives. Greek influences permeated these usages, as Roman writers translated and adapted Hellenistic texts, incorporating "qu-" equivalents to mirror Greek interrogatives like "ti" or "pos." During the medieval period, the scope of "qu-" phrases expanded significantly in legal and ecclesiastical documents; canon law treatises and monastic scripts frequently utilized them for precise formulations, while the Vulgate Bible, Jerome's 4th-century Latin translation, introduced scriptural expressions from the Gospels that embedded "qu-" in theological discourse, ensuring their transmission through liturgical and scholarly traditions. The Renaissance marked a deliberate revival of classical Latin under humanism, where "qu-" phrases were repurposed in mottos, emblems, and scholarly works to evoke antiquity and intellectual authority, bridging pagan rhetoric with Christian humanism. Post-Roman adaptations extended this legacy into European legal systems and scientific nomenclature; in English common law from the 16th to 19th centuries, "qu-" constructions appeared in writs and precedents for clarifying actions, while 18th- and 19th-century scientific texts retained them in binomial classifications and treatises, preserving interrogative precision amid vernacular shifts. These phrases, originating in Plautus's era, thus endured into modern institutional mottos, underscoring Latin's lasting role in formal expression.

Thematic Categories

Everyday and Conversational Phrases

Everyday and conversational Latin phrases beginning with "Q" often originate from classical Roman comedy, satire, or biblical dialogues, functioning as informal greetings, queries, or self-reflective remarks that have echoed into modern vernacular for casual or humor. These expressions highlight the adaptability of Latin in everyday speech, from ancient social interactions to later literary and epistolary uses, emphasizing brevity and directness in human exchange. Quid agis translates to "What are you doing?" and serves as an informal greeting akin to "What's up?" or "How are you?" in English. It appears frequently in Roman comedy by playwrights like Plautus and Terence as a standard question-based salutation to initiate conversation or check on someone's activities. This phrase's colloquial nature made it a staple in casual dialogue, reflecting everyday Roman social norms. Quid est veritas, meaning "What is truth?", is a philosophical query posed by Pontius Pilate to Jesus in the Gospel of John 18:38 of the Latin Vulgate Bible. Though rooted in a biblical trial scene, it entered conversational use during the Renaissance as a rhetorical device in debates on epistemology and morality, often invoked to question subjective realities in informal philosophical discussions. Its survival in vernacular highlights ongoing human curiosity about truth in casual discourse. Quid nunc, literally "What now?", evolved from a simple into a term denoting a or gossipmonger, shortened in English to "quidnunc" by the early . In classical contexts, it captured the inquisitive tone of someone prying into current events, much like modern slang for a nosy individual seeking the latest news. This phrase's transition into English underscores Latin's influence on words describing social meddlers in everyday language. Quo vadis?, or "Where are you going?", derives from the apocryphal , where Peter encounters the risen outside , symbolizing uncertainty about one's path or direction in life. Popularized in casual through Henryk Sienkiewicz's 1895 Quo Vadis?, which dramatizes early Christian persecution, it persists today as a lighthearted inquiry about plans or a metaphorical prompt for in conversations. The novel's title alone cemented its place in modern vernacular for discussing life's journeys. Quid rides? Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur, translating to "Why do you laugh? Change but the name and the story is told of you," comes from Horace's Satires (1.1.69) in the 1st century BCE. This witty retort warns against hypocrisy by suggesting the mocked behavior applies equally to the critic, used in casual banter to deflect ridicule or highlight shared flaws. Its enduring appeal lies in its rhetorical sharpness, often quoted in informal settings to promote empathy or self-awareness. Quis leget haec?, meaning "Who will read this?", expresses self-deprecating doubt about a writing's reception or relevance, originating in the introspective opening of Persius's Satires (1.1) but notably appearing in medieval marginalia of illuminated manuscripts like the 15th-century Hours of Catherine of Cleves. Scribes or artists jotted it in margins to humorously question the value of their work amid tedious copying tasks, reflecting the futility felt in everyday scholarly labor. This phrase survives in modern creative circles as a wry comment on audience engagement. Legal and judicial phrases beginning with "Q" derive primarily from Roman law principles adapted into medieval and early modern English common law, often appearing in writs, statutes, and court proceedings to address tenure, property rights, authority, and evidentiary burdens. These terms reflect the influence of Latin as the language of jurisprudence in Europe from antiquity through the 18th century, emphasizing precision in legal argumentation and procedural challenges. Quamdiu (se) bene gesserit, translating to "as long as he shall behave well," establishes a conditional for judicial and public offices, removable only for . This phrase first appeared in English in the and was formalized in the Act of Settlement of 1701, which mandated that judges hold office quamdiu se bene gesserit to ensure from royal influence, subject to parliamentary address for removal. The provision influenced Article III of the U.S. Constitution, adopting "during good Behaviour" for federal judges to promote . Quare clausum fregit, meaning "wherefore he broke the close," refers to a writ of trespass for unauthorized entry onto enclosed land, originating in 13th-century English as a remedy for violations without or arms. This action required plaintiffs to prove direct interference with their possession, evolving from earlier real actions like novel disseisin and serving as a precursor to modern claims for land invasion. Questio quid iuris, or "I ask what law?", challenges the applicable legal principle in a dispute, famously depicted in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (c. 1387–1400) as the refrain of the Sergeant at Law, illustrating medieval courtroom rhetoric where advocates probed the juristic foundation of claims. The phrase underscores the adversarial tradition in English equity, demanding clarification of statutory or customary authority before proceeding. Qui prior est tempore potior est iure, "who is first in time is stronger in right," is a foundational maxim in prioritizing earlier interests over later ones, rooted in Roman principles from Justinian's Digest and incorporated into English by the for resolving competing claims to or . Courts applied it in cases of successive conveyances, favoring the initial bona fide possessor unless intervened, as seen in equitable doctrines like . Qui tam pro domino rege quam pro se ipso, abbreviated as and meaning "he who sues for the king as well as for himself," enables private individuals to initiate lawsuits on behalf of the while sharing recovery, a mechanism revived in the U.S. False Claims Act of 1863 to combat fraud against federal funds during the Civil War. Originating in 13th-century English informer's actions, it incentivizes whistleblowers by awarding them up to 30% of penalties, with the government retaining intervention rights. Quo warranto, "by what warrant?", is a demanding proof of legal authority for holding an office, franchise, or liberty, developed in 13th-century under I's proceedings to centralize royal control over feudal privileges. By the , it evolved into a judicial , later adapted in U.S. to oust unqualified officials, as in state constitutions requiring demonstration of lawful title. Quid pro quo, "something for something," denotes a reciprocal exchange essential to valid contracts, entering English law in the 16th century to describe equivalent value in bargains, akin to the doctrine of consideration requiring mutual inducement. Historically tied to apothecary substitutions, it now implies conditional trades in commercial agreements, though extended beyond law to denote any barter, including illicit favors. Quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur, "what is asserted without reason may be denied without reason," articulates a burden-of-proof rule from medieval scholastic logic, applied in 18th-century English courts to dismiss , requiring the asserting party to provide rather than mere . This , echoed in modern evidentiary standards, prevents by shifting the onus to the proponent.

Medical and Scientific Phrases

Latin phrases beginning with "Q" have played a significant role in and scientific documentation, particularly as abbreviations in prescriptions and during the 18th and 19th centuries. These terms originated from but were adapted for practical use in pharmacopeias and clinical notes, providing concise instructions for dosages, frequencies, and classifications. Their adoption reflects the enduring influence of Latin in early modern , where facilitated efficient communication among practitioners amid evolving pharmaceutical practices. Quantum libet (q.l.), translating to "as much as pleases," served as a medical directive allowing flexible dosing, often interpreted as "as much as you wish." This phrase appeared in 18th-century pharmacopeias to grant discretion to patients or apothecaries in administering remedies, emphasizing patient comfort over rigid measurements in an era when precise quantification was limited. Quantum sufficit (qs), meaning "as much as is enough," functioned as a prescription shorthand for adding a sufficient quantity of a substance to complete a preparation. It became standard in 19th-century medicine, appearing in clinical records to indicate the minimal effective amount needed, as evidenced in analyses of 1854 prescriptions where it was employed to balance efficacy and safety in compounding drugs. Quaque hora (qh), or "every hour," denoted dosing frequency in medical orders, with variants such as quaque die (qd) for "every day," quaque mane (qm) for "every morning," and quaque nocte (qn) for "every night." These derived from Latin temporal expressions and were integral to scheduling administrations, originating in medieval prescription traditions and persisting into modern veterinary and medicine for timed interventions. Quater in die (qid), literally "four times a day," was a common abbreviation for dividing daily intake into four portions, rooted in the Roman division of the day into temporal hours for structured routines. This practice influenced early medical scheduling, ensuring even distribution of treatments like tonics or analgesics across waking periods. Quantocius quantotius, rendering "the sooner, the better," conveyed urgency in medical contexts, drawing from classical Latin to urge prompt treatment initiation. Applied in Renaissance texts for acute conditions, it highlighted the need for immediate intervention in scenarios like infections or traumas to optimize outcomes.

Mottos and Institutional Phrases

Latin mottos beginning with "Q" have been widely adopted by military units, governments, and educational institutions to encapsulate core values such as resilience, global ambition, and excellence. These phrases, often concise and evocative, draw from classical Latin to symbolize enduring principles that guide organizational identity and purpose. Their use in official emblems, seals, and crests underscores the historical prestige of Latin in institutional heraldry, particularly from the 17th century onward when European powers and colonies formalized such symbols. "Qua patet orbis," translating to "As far as the world extends," serves as the motto of the , established in 1665. This phrase signifies the corps' commitment to worldwide deployment capabilities, reflecting its role in naval infantry operations across diverse terrains and environments. "Qui audet adipiscitur," rendered in English as "Who dares wins," is the motto of the British Army's (SAS), adopted in 1941 by founder . Inspired by a line from Sir Walter Scott's 1808 poem Marmion, it embodies the unit's ethos of bold initiative and calculated risk-taking in . "Qui transtulit sustinet," meaning "He who transplanted still sustains," is the official state motto of Connecticut, incorporated into its seal since 1662. Originating from the colonial era, it alludes to the migration of Puritan settlers from Massachusetts and their reliance on divine providence for prosperity in the new land, symbolized by grapevines representing the state's agricultural heritage. "Quis separabit?," or "Who will separate us?," functions as the motto of the Order of St. Patrick, a British chivalric order founded in 1783, and was also used unofficially for Northern Ireland's coat of arms from the 1920s until 1973. Drawn from Romans 8:35 in the Vulgate Bible, it emphasizes unbreakable unity and loyalty, as seen in its adoption by Irish Guards regiments. "Quocunque jeceris stabit," translating to "Whithersoever you throw it, it will stand," is the motto of the Isle of Man, accompanying its emblem of three armored legs. Documented on coinage since 1668 but linked to the symbol's appearance in the , it highlights the island's steadfast resilience regardless of orientation or adversity. "Quo fata ferunt," meaning "Whither the fates carry us," appears on Bermuda's as its national motto, formalized in the . It evokes the island's seafaring legacy, from its accidental discovery by shipwrecked sailors in to its role as a British naval outpost, symbolizing adaptability amid unpredictable oceanic fortunes. "Qualitas potentia nostra," or "Quality is our strength," is the motto of the Finnish Air Force, established in 1918 during the Finnish Civil War. This principle prioritizes technological superiority and operational precision over numerical superiority, guiding the force's defense of Finnish airspace through advanced training and equipment. "Quam bene non quantum," translating to "How well, not how much," has been the motto of Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada, since its founding as a college in 1910. It promotes a focus on educational quality, depth of learning, and student-centered excellence rather than scale, aligning with the institution's evolution into a university emphasizing personalized undergraduate experiences.

Literary and Philosophical Phrases

The section on literary and philosophical phrases beginning with "Q" highlights expressions drawn from classical Roman and Greek authors, often employed in poetry, drama, and ethical discourse to encapsulate themes of mortality, wisdom, rhetoric, and human folly. These phrases, originating primarily from the Republican and Imperial periods, reflect the eloquence of Latin as a vehicle for profound introspection and irony, influencing later Western thought in literature and philosophy. Unlike more utilitarian expressions, they emphasize artistic lament, Stoic resilience, and cautionary maxims, serving as rhetorical tools in works by figures such as Cicero, Seneca, and Ovid. One notable example is qualis artifex pereo, meaning "What an artist perishes with me" or "As what kind of artist do I perish?", uttered by Emperor in his final moments as recorded by the biographer in his Life of Nero (chapter 49). This phrase symbolizes Nero's self-perceived artistic , capturing the emperor's dramatic flair amid his in 68 CE, and has since been invoked to critique excessive vanity in creative pursuits. Seneca's (letter 101) features quam bene vivas referre, non quam diu, translating to "It is how well you live that matters, not how long." This Stoic maxim underscores the philosopher's emphasis on virtuous living over , advising that true well-being arises from ethical conduct rather than extended lifespan, a principle central to Seneca's teachings on enduring life's brevity. In rhetorical contexts, frequently used quae cum ita sint ("These things being the case" or "Since these things are so") as a transitional phrase in his orations, such as in the In Catilinam (1.26), to pivot arguments logically while building persuasive momentum. This device exemplifies Ciceronian style, facilitating clear progression in speeches on political and ethical matters during the late . Derived from Plato's Laws (book 6, via Latin translations), quae non posuisti, ne tollas means "Do not take away what you did not put in place," advocating restraint in and respect for pre-existing natural or social orders. This principle, adapted into Latin during the , informs philosophical discussions on and , cautioning against arbitrary interference in established structures. Ovid's Remedia Amoris (line 420) includes quae non prosunt singula, multa iuvant ("What alone is not useful helps when accumulated"), offering practical advice on incremental efforts to overcome love's afflictions through persistent small actions. In the context of the poem's therapeutic tone, it illustrates Ovid's blend of humor and wisdom, suggesting that cumulative minor remedies can yield significant emotional progress. The comedic playwright Plautus employs quem di diligunt adulescens moritur ("He whom the gods love dies young") in Bacchides (lines 816–817), an ironic observation on premature death spoken by a character reflecting on fortune's whims. This line, adapted from Greek comedy, has permeated literature to express tragic irony regarding the untimely loss of the virtuous or talented. Publilius Syrus, in his collection of moral from the 1st century BCE, articulates qui totum vult totum perdit ("He who wants everything loses everything"), a caution against and overambition. As a maxim from the Syrian-born mime's aphorisms, it encapsulates ethical warnings on moderation, influencing proverbial wisdom in Roman and later European . Finally, the ironic quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur ("Whatever has been said in Latin seems deep"), emerging as an 18th-century quip mocking pseudointellectualism, pokes fun at the perceived profundity of Latin phrasing regardless of content. Attributed to Enlightenment-era , it highlights the linguistic prestige of Latin while critiquing its ornamental use in modern discourse.

Religious and Biblical Phrases

Religious and biblical phrases starting with "Q" encompass Latin expressions rooted in Christian scripture, particularly the Vulgate Bible, and the writings of early Church Fathers like St. Augustine, highlighting themes of spiritual seeking, moral exhortation, and divine communication. These phrases often serve as calls to faith, warnings against violence, and affirmations of worship, influencing theological discourse and liturgical traditions from the patristic era onward. The Vulgate, translated by St. Jerome in the late 4th century, provides the primary textual basis for many of these, shaping their phrasing and interpretation in Western Christianity. Quaere, meaning "seek" or "inquire," functions as a rhetorical imperative encouraging spiritual examination and pursuit of truth, as seen in St. Augustine's 4th-century sermons where he urges believers to seek and eternal life, drawing from :14 in the ("Quaere pacem et persequere eam"). This phrase underscores Augustine's emphasis on active inquiry into divine mysteries, as in his homilies on the that promote a contemplative search for God amid worldly distractions. Quaerite primum regnum Dei, or "Seek ye first the kingdom of God," originates from Matthew 6:33 in the : "Quaerite autem primum regnum Dei et iustitiam eius: et haec omnia adicientur vobis." This exhortation from ' prioritizes spiritual devotion over material concerns, promising divine provision for those who align their pursuits with God's will. It has been adopted as the official motto of , symbolizing provincial values of faith and righteousness since its establishment in 1991. Qui bene cantat bis orat, translating to "He who sings well prays twice," is attributed to St. Augustine in his 4th-century commentary on Psalm 72 (Vulgate numbering for Psalm 73), where he elevates choral singing in worship as a doubled form of prayer that engages both voice and heart. Augustine argues that melodic praise intensifies devotion, making the act of singing a profound liturgical tool for communal and personal edification in the early Church. This phrase has enduringly justified the role of music in Christian liturgy, as echoed in later ecclesiastical documents. Qui gladio ferit, gladio perit, or "He who strikes with the sword dies by the sword," is a medieval rhymed adaptation of Matthew 26:52 from the : "Omnes enim, qui acceperint gladium, gladio peribunt." Spoken by during his arrest to rebuke Peter's use of , it serves as a pacifist against retaliation, emphasizing reliance on divine over armed conflict and influencing on war and peace. Qui habet aures audiendi, audiat, meaning "He who has ears to hear, let him hear," appears in Mark 4:9 of the Vulgate as a refrain concluding Jesus' Parable of the Sower. This imperative calls listeners to discern spiritual truths beyond surface-level understanding, recurring in the Gospels to urge deeper reflection on parables and prophetic messages. It underscores the selective nature of divine revelation, accessible to those attuned by faith. Quaecumque sunt vera, or "Whatsoever things are true," derives from Philippians 4:8 in the : "De cetero, fratres, quaecumque sunt vera, quaecumque pudica, quaecumque iusta, quaecumque sancta..." In this epistle, St. Paul instructs the church at to meditate on virtues—truth, purity, justice, and holiness—as a safeguard against anxiety and a path to peace through Christ. Frequently excerpted as a , it promotes ethical focus in Christian life and . Quis ut Deus, translating to "Who [is] like God?," is the Latin rendering of the Michael's name (from Hebrew Mi-ka-el), symbolizing and opposition to prideful rebellion. It evokes Michael's role in the as a protector of (Daniel 12:1) and his victory over in :7-9, where no one rivals God's . In Christian , this phrase often adorns depictions of Michael, reinforcing his role as defender of the faithful. Qui me tangit, vocem meam audit, or "Who touches me, hears my voice," is a common medieval inscription on church bells, evoking the divine call in John 10:27 from the : "Oves meae vocem meam audiunt." By likening the bell's ring—produced upon being struck—to God's audible summons to believers, it symbolizes the responsive nature of , where human action elicits heavenly response in and . This adorned bells across Europe from the , blending craftsmanship with theological .

Mathematical and Logical Phrases

Latin phrases have played a pivotal role in the formalization of mathematical proofs and logical argumentation, originating primarily from ancient Greek works translated into Latin and later scholastic traditions. These expressions emphasize the structure of demonstration, the distinction between theoretical and constructive propositions, and the rigorous interrogation of premises, providing concise markers for completion, caution, and analysis in intellectual pursuits. Quod erat demonstrandum (Q.E.D.), meaning "which was to be demonstrated," concludes mathematical proofs to signify that the intended result has been established. This phrase traces its origins to the Latin translation of (circa BCE), where it renders the Greek hóper édei deîxai at the end of theorems, symbolizing the fulfillment of the proposition's objective. Quod erat faciendum (Q.E.F.), translating to "which was to be done," marks the completion of geometric constructions rather than pure theorems, highlighting the practical execution of a task. Employed by in Elements for propositions involving the creation of figures, such as constructing an , it distinguishes applied from abstract proof. Quo errat demonstrator, or "where the prover errs," serves as a humorous critique of flawed reasoning, punning on quod erat demonstrandum to underscore logical fallacies in proofs. Emerging in 19th-century mathematical commentary, it reminds scholars of the potential for error even in rigorous demonstrations. Quis, quid, ubi, quibus auxiliis, cur, quomodo, quando ("Who, what, where, by what means, why, how, when?") forms a systematic framework for logical inquiry, expanding on the classical 5 Ws to probe circumstances comprehensively. Thomas Aquinas invokes this mnemonic in his Summa Theologica (13th century), drawing from rhetorical traditions to structure ethical and metaphysical analysis, akin to modern investigative methods. Quod est (q.e.), abbreviated as "which is," functions as a transitional phrase in definitions and syllogisms within scholastic logic. It links predicates to subjects in formal arguments, facilitating precise conceptual delineation in medieval philosophical texts. Quod est necessarium est licitum ("What is necessary is lawful") justifies actions through logical necessity, applying deductive principles to validate imperatives in . Rooted in medieval logic, it posits that requirements inherent to a system's coherence permit corresponding measures. Quilibet potest renunciare juri pro se introducto ("Anyone may renounce a law introduced for their own benefit") delineates the scope of personal in logical and juridical reasoning, separating self-imposed rules from public mandates. Articulated in 16th-century by figures like Sir Edward Coke, it informs distinctions between voluntary and obligatory norms. Quieta non movere ("Do not disturb settled things") advises restraint in logical deliberation, cautioning against unsettling established axioms or truths without compelling reason. This maxim, echoed in analytical traditions, promotes stability in proofs and philosophical inquiry.

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