1.

ad hoc: literally, "toward this"; refers to something devised or created for a particular situation or purpose.

2.

ad infinitum: literally, "to infinity"; suggests that someone or something will continue indefinitely.

3.

a posteriori: literally, "from the subsequent"; indicates that reasoning is based on experience, that one may argue from facts to general principles.

4.

a priori: literally, "from the previous causes"; indicates that reasoning is based on theories or general principles rather than experience or factual knowledge.

5.

bona fide: literally, "in good faith"; means that something is genuine or authentic.

6.

in loco parentis: literally, "in place of a parent"; indicates that some group or institution substitutes for absent parents.

7.

in toto: literally, "in sum" or "as a whole"; indicates that something should be taken totally or altogether.

8.

prima facie: literally, "on first appearance"; refers to a first impression formed before any closer inspection.

9.

non sequitur: literally, "it does not follow"; points to an irrelevant or illogical conclusion or statement.

10.

quid pro quo: literally, "something for something"; indicates an equal exchange.

Interactive online practice
You may want to print a hardcopy of the definitions before starting the practice.

11.

carte blanche: literally, a "blank card"; signifies unrestricted power or unconditional authority.

12.

déjà vu: literally, "already seen"; refers to the experience of going through something that seems to have happened before.

13.

double-entendre: literally, "double meaning"; indicates that a word or phrase has two meanings, one of which has sexual overtones.

14.

entrée: literally, "entrance"; can refer to the main course of a meal; can also indicate the right of entrance to a select group.

15.

idée fixe: literally, "fixed idea"; suggests that an idea has become an obsession.

16.

fin de siècle: literally, "end of the century"; refers to the end of the nineteenth century and suggests a climate of extreme sophistication and boredom.

17.

noblesse oblige: literally, "nobility obligates"; signifies that responsible behavior is considered the obligation of all aristocrats.

18.

nom de plume: literally, "pen name"; means the same as "pseudonym."

19.

raison d’être: literally, "reason for being"; refers to the sole or essential reason for the existence of something.

20.

vis-à-vis: literally, "face to face"; can indicate two things or persons that are opposite or corresponding; can also mean "in relation to."

Interactive online practice
You may want to print a hardcopy of the definitions before starting the practice.