Legal Latin Terms

Facit is a noun or verb form in some languages meaning 'he/she/it does' or 'he/she/it makes,' or a Latin root meaning 'he/she/it makes/done.' In modern use, it can appear in specialized vocabularies or as a borrowed term in certain terminologies. The pronunciation is often a short, crisp two-syllable word with emphasis on the first syllable, depending on language context.

Facto is a two-syllable term that, depending on language, can function as a prefix (as in in fact o) or a stand-alone word in certain contexts. In many linguistic or scientific uses, it signals a factor or factor-related concept. Given its irregular usage in English, it’s often encountered in academic or technical discourse rather than everyday speech.

Fide is a masculine noun in Latin-based or ecclesiastical contexts meaning faith or trust. In English-use, it appears chiefly in phrases like “fidei” or in technical terms borrowed from Latin, signifying belief, trust, or confidence. This term is uncommon in everyday English and is typically encountered in academic, legal, or religious discourse. The pronunciation is typically two syllables, with emphasis on the first syllable, and a smooth, closed-vowel ending.

Fides is a feminine noun used primarily in religious, legal, and formal contexts to denote faith, trust, or loyalty. In Latin-derived usage, it emphasizes fidelity and steadfastness rather than casual belief, often appearing in phrases like ‘fides quae’ (the faith that) or as a term in philosophical or legal discussions about trust and truth.

A short, monosyllabic verb and adjective meaning to be of suitable size or to be appropriate. In verb form, it often appears in phrases like “to fit into” or “to fit the bill.” As an adjective, it describes something properly suited or adequate for a purpose. The pronunciation is a sharp, single syllable with a high front lax vowel and a voiceless consonant onset.

Generalis is a Latin-derived term meaning pertaining to the whole or overall, used in modern contexts to denote general or generalist concepts. In English, it appears in specialized phrases or academic names and can function as a noun or adjective depending on context. The word carries a formal or technical tone and may appear in medical, legal, or scholarly writing where general applicability is stressed.

Gestae is a Latin noun form meaning deeds or exploits, often seen in historical or legal Latin phrases used to refer to actions, acts, or deeds. In English contexts, it may appear in scholarly writing or legal/historical titles to indicate a record of deeds or acts. It carries an antiquated or formal tone rather than common usage.

Grano is a Spanish noun meaning 'grain' or 'seed,' commonly used to refer to individual kernels in cereals or seeds. In slang, it can denote sand or grit in some dialects. The term appears across food, agriculture, and culinary contexts, and may appear in phrases like “grano de arroz” (grain of rice). It is essential in basic lexicon for learners engaging with Spanish-speaking environments and cuisine vocabularies.

Gratia is a feminine Latin noun meaning ‘grace, favor, goodwill,’ often used in religious or formal contexts. In English borrowings it can denote elegance or a fond gratitude. The term appears in phrases like ‘gratia plena’ and is used in names and mottos to imply benevolence or blessing.

Habeas is a part of legal Latin-derived phrases, most famously in habeas corpus. It noun-like in modern usage, referring to the writ or principle requiring a person under detention to be brought before a court. In everyday reference, it’s often encountered within legal documents and discussions about rights and due process. The term itself is pronounced as a fixed, ceremonial phrase rather than a word you’d typically spell-out in normal conversation.

Habet is a Latin verb form meaning “he/she/it has” or “there is/are,” typically used as a third-person singular present from the verb habere. In classical texts, it appears as a simple present auxiliary or main verb, often with nuance of possession or existence. In modern scholarly or liturgical contexts, you’ll encounter it as a didactic or lexical item; in everyday English translations it’s usually rendered as has.

Hoc is a short, monosyllabic sound unit often used as a standalone term or as part of phrases in various languages. In this guide, we treat it as a rare, context-dependent word whose pronunciation hinges on its language-specific vowel and consonant values. Its typical realization is a single, clipped vowel or consonant-vowel sequence depending on dialect and word origin.

Idem is a Latin pronoun meaning “the same,” used in various legal, scholarly, and editorial contexts to refer to a previously cited author or work. In English usage, it appears mainly in formal or academic writing to indicate repetition of a citation or term. The pronunciation is generally two syllables, with stress on the second syllable in many Latin-derived loanword contexts, but usage may vary by field.

Injuria is a noun borrowed from Latin meaning injury or harm, used in legal and medical contexts to denote wrongdoing or damage. In modern usage it often appears in phrases like “injuria sine damno” or in the broader sense of injury, harm, or offense. The term is rare in everyday speech but appears in specialist writing and historical/legal texts.

Inter is a short, unstressed syllable often pronounced as a reduced form in connected speech (e.g., in-TER or - and- in some contexts). It functions primarily as a prefix or preposition/particle in phrases like “interdisciplinary,” “to intercede,” or “to intervene,” with its pronunciation influenced by surrounding sounds and stress patterns. In careful speech it can retain a light, unstressed schwa or reduced vowel sound depending on cadence.

Ipsa is a two-syllable word that often appears in contexts like legal phrases or Latin-derived expressions. It can function as a proper name or a term in specialized jargon, and may carry emphasis on the first syllable. In pronunciation, focus on crisp vowel qualities and even syllable timing to preserve its formal, concise sound.

Ipso is a short, Latin loanword used mainly in formal or legal-medical contexts to mean “by the very fact” or “insofar as is the case.” In common speech you’ll encounter it mostly in phrases like ipso facto, ipso facto non sequitur, or ipso jure. It denotes emphasis on the circumstance itself rather than surrounding factors.

iudex is a Latin noun meaning ‘judge’ (masculine) or ‘jurist.’ In historical or academic contexts it denotes a person who presides over a court or makes judicial determinations. The term appears in classical sources and discussions of Roman law, often used in phrases like iudex publicus or iudex quaestionum.

iudicium is a Latin noun meaning 'judgment' or 'trial,' typically used in legal or scholastic contexts. In English-adopted texts, it may appear in discussions of Roman law or classical rhetoric. The word conveys the act or result of judging, often implying reasoned assessment or formal decision-making rather than mere opinion.