Alma Mater (AL-ma MA-ter); Latin
Definition: Alma means “dear or nurturing,” and mater means “mother.” Together it refers to a school that one has attended or graduated from.
Usage: The class of 1986 will gather at their alma mater for their 20th reunion.

Magna Cum Laude (MAG-na cum LOW-de); Latin
Summa Cum Laude (SUM-ma cum LOW-de); Latin
Definition: These are designations of honor commonly used in graduation ceremonies. Cum means “with,” and laude means “praise.” Add summa for “the highest praise.” Add magna for “great distinction.”
Usage: My daughter will graduate magna cum laude from college this year.

Magnum Opus (MAG-num OP-us); Latin
Definition: Literally, a “great work.” Usually refers to the definitive work of an author, a composer, or an artist.
Usage: The Ninth Symphony is widely considered Beethoven’s magnum opus.

Literati (li-te-RA-tee); Latin
Definition: The literate or educated class.
Usage: See Hoi Polloi, below.

Hoi Polloi (HOY poll-OY)); Latin
Definition: The masses.
Usage: The literati snubbed the young novelist’s latest work because of its popularity with the hoi polloi.

Caveat Emptor (KAV-eh-att EM-tor); Latin
Definition: Buyer beware.
Usage: Caveat emptor in that store; I hear it’s going out of business.

Tempus Fugit (TEM-puss FOOG-it); Latin
Definition: Time flies.
Usage: "Tempus fugit," Lilly said when she saw it was time to go home from the park.

Ipso Facto (IP-so FACT-o); Latin
Definition: By that very fact.
Usage: He’s from the Bronx. Ipso facto, he’s a Yankees fan.

De Facto (day FAK-to); Latin
Definition: In fact or in practice.
Usage: Barbara and Jake never legally wed, but they’ve been together so long that they have a de facto marriage.