Legal Latin Terms

Ratio refers to the quantitative relationship between two or more amounts, often expressed as a, b such that a relates to b as a to b. It is used in mathematics, statistics, and everyday comparisons to indicate proportion. The word is a two-syllable noun with primary stress on the first syllable: RAY-shee-oh.

Sine is a mathematical term referring to the ratio of a triangle’s opposite side to its hypotenuse in a right triangle, yielding a value between 0 and 1. In broader math contexts, it describes a periodic function used in trigonometry, signal processing, and physics. The word also appears in anatomy and engineering as a proper noun in some contexts, but its primary meaning remains the trigonometric function.

Stare is a verb meaning to look at something with wide-eyed, often intent attention, sometimes for a prolonged moment. It conveys focus or astonishment, and can imply curiosity or scrutiny. In everyday use, you might stare at a painting, someone across a room, or a screen, highlighting a moment of absorption or surprise.

Subpoena (noun) is a legal order requiring a person to appear in court or to produce documents. It is pronounced as a two-syllable word with stress on the second syllable; in careful speech it can sound like suh-POA-nuh. It denotes authority to compel attendance or evidence, and appears in civil and criminal proceedings alike.

Ultra is an adjective meaning “extremely or exceedingly, beyond the usual or ordinary.” It can modify nouns to express greater intensity or indicate something relating to the outermost or extreme version of something. In everyday use, it signals a higher degree or an amplified form, often with a slightly technical or promotional nuance.

Absentia is a Latin-derived adverb or noun meaning in the absence (of someone or something), often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate a case or status occurs without the physical presence of a person. In English usage, it appears in phrases like ‘in absentia’ to denote proceeding or decision made without the party present. The term carries formal, juridical connotations and can appear in academic or ceremonial language.

Actio is a noun of Latin origin meaning a legal action, lawsuit, or proceeding, or more generally a deed or act. In modern scholarly usage it often appears as a term in Latin phrases or historical legal Latin, sometimes adopted in encyclopedic contexts to denote a specific action or act. The word’s pronunciation remains Latin-influenced, typically two syllables, with a clear vowel in each syllable and a final vowel sound that signals feminine or neuter noun forms in some languages.

Actus is a Latin noun meaning ‘an act, deed, or theatre action,’ used in legal, religious, and classical contexts to refer to a formal act or event. In modern scholarly or liturgical English, it occasionally appears in phrases like ‘actus reus’ (guilty act). The term carries formal, academic connotations and is typically not used in everyday speech. Its pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, but the Latin origin influences the initial stress and vowel qualities in professional usage.

alia is a multi-syllabic, typically feminine given name (often a variant of Aaliyah or Aliyah), and can appear in Latin or Romance-influenced contexts as a plural or feminine form. In English usage, it may be encountered as a personal name or a plural noun in foreign-language phrases. The term’s pronunciation varies by origin, but in English contexts it is commonly pronounced as /ˈeɪ.li.ə/ or /ˈæliə/ depending on stress and regional adaptation.

Amicus is a masculine Latin noun meaning a friend or ally, often encountered in legal contexts as amicus curiae. In English, it appears in phrases borrowed from Latin, maintaining a scholarly or formal tone. Pronounced with two syllables, it typically stress falls on the first syllable, and the final '-us' is audible in careful enunciation rather than elided.

Bona is a term used as a noun or adjective in various languages, often meaning 'good' or 'worthy' in contexts such as Latin-derived phrases, Italian phrases like buona/bona that appear in borrowed expressions, or in legal and scholastic uses. In English contexts it may occur in phrases or as part of names. The pronunciation is typically two syllables, with a central vowel; stress commonly falls on the first syllable in many borrowed uses.

Bono is a proper noun in most uses (notably a surname, stage name, or part of certain brand names) and can also appear as a fictional or stylistic term. In general, it refers to a specific person or identity rather than a common noun. The pronunciation tends to be two syllables with emphasis depending on language background, often rendered as BOH-no or bo-NOH in casual speech.

Causa is a Latin-derived noun meaning motive or reason, often used in phrases like causa mortis or causa sine qua non. In broader Spanish and Italian contexts it simply means “cause” or “reason.” The word carries formal or legal connotations in some uses, though in everyday speech it can denote cause, basis, or justification for an action or belief. It can function as a noun in various Romance-language-derived hybrids as well.

Compos is a short, nonstandard form often seen as an abbreviation or clipped variant of words like compose, composite, or composition. In certain technical or domain-specific jargons, it may appear as a standalone token; however, its status as a standalone lexeme varies by dialect and discipline. The pronunciation typically aligns with a two-syllable cadence, resembling /ˈkɒm.pɒs/ in some contexts, but may be context-dependent.