A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases [Paperback]

James Morwood (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 3, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0198601093 | ISBN-13: 978-0198601098

This authoritative and highly browsable guide provides an enlightening account of the meaning and history of Latin words and phrases that have entered the English language. Readers will find over 1000 phrases, sayings, mottoes, and proverbs, translated with examples of usage and fascinating citations and explanations of their first occurrence. A detailed A-Z appendix lists all Latin authors from Augustine to Virgil, together with details of their life and work. A thematic index offers immediate access to the maxims and phrases relating to such topics as death, betrayal, gossip, love, and money.
A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases will be an entertaining and instructive source of information for word lovers of all varieties, from the crossword aficionado to speech-writers, historians, literature buffs, the savvy general reader, and anyone properly curious about Latin's influence on English.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`What should go into such a work nowadays is hard to assess and M. seems to have got it about right. I have been keeping an eye open over the last few months for Latin tags, and those in what may be reckoned current use he has identified.' Roland Mayer, The Classical Review Vol.XLIX No.2

About the Author

Formerly Head of Classics at Harrow, James Morwood is a Fellow at Wadham College and Grocyn Lecturer for the Literae Humaniores Faculty.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 3, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198601093
• ISBN-13: 978-0198601098
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,659 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most interesting Latin words, mottoes, and sayings, June 23, 2005

By 

John Hancock (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases (Paperback)

Should we say, indispensable for the literate man?

This excellent Oxford edition is comprehensive, with an index related to particular subjects, and, as a bonus, includes clear translations and pronunciation guidance! Ever more important is the context. The sources from history and literature are annotated.

Mottoes: "The Royal Air Force, the American dollar, Henry VIII, Oxford University, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are just a few of the institutions carrying inspiring and often fanciful mottoes."

Proverbs: "Familiar and amusing proverbs are included and easily found in a separate listing."

Highly recommended for every writer, every author, every journalist, every child, every desk, every cubicle, and every computer station!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A users response for a Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases, March 15, 2006

By 

Mr. Antony P. Webb (Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases (Paperback)

I purchased the book as a tool to assist in understanding some latin phrases. Whilst contempory writings may not include much latin; those of yesteryear expect the reader to have a basic grasp of latin.
The book also has (English) topics that can be cross referenced to the appropriate latin words and phrases.
The book does not intend to be totally comprehensive and it delivers on what is promised; namely common latin words and phrases.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Deskside Latin Companion, June 26, 2007

By 

Kevin MacG Adams (Norfolk, Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of Latin Words and Phrases (Paperback)

With little training in Latin I was in need of a concise book to decipher the most basic Latin phrases in use today.

This is it!