Did You Know?
"Dulce et Decorum est" is the name of a poem written by Wilfred Owen during the First World War. It is followed by 'pro patria mori', which means that it is sweet and right to die for one's country.
Latin has been a great contributor to our commonly used language, English. There are several stories related to it, but as the years are passing by, Latin is slowly disappearing from our literature. There are many reasons why we should all know at least a few of the words and phrases of Latin that are unknowingly used by us. The most important reason being, if so much of our vocabulary comes from Latin, why not get acquainted with the roots?
The following section is a compilation of some Latin phrases about war. Some of these are quoted by famous people, which date back to ancient times. Some phrases are inspiring that give you strength, and most of all, they give you an insight into how soldiers or anyone feels in a war-like situation. Some even take us back to the history lessons that we had.
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cur ante tubam tremor occupat artus?
Why should fear seize the limbs before the trumpet sounds? ― Virgil
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victis honor
Honour to the vanquished
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veni vidi vici
I came, I saw, I conquered ― Julius Caesar
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in pace, ut sapiens, aptarit idonea bello
In peace, like a wise man, he appropriately prepares for war
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bella horrida bella
Wars, horrid wars ― Virgil
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bella detesta matribus
Wars, the horror of mothers (Horace)
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bellum omnium in omnes
A war of all against all
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bellum internecinum
Internecine war, a war of extermination
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bellum letale
Lethal war, deadly war
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bellum domesticum
Strife/war among family members
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hoc est bellum
This is war
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acta non verba
Deeds, not words
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ad victoriam
To victory ― more commonly interpreted as "for victory," this was a battle cry of the Romans
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amor patriae
Love of one's country
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antebellum
Before the war ― commonly used in the Southern United States as antebellum to refer to the period preceding the American Civil War
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audemus jura nostra defendere
We dare to defend our rights ― state motto of Alabama
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aut neca aut necare
Either kill or be killed
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aut cum scuto aut in scuto
Either with shield or on shield ― do or die, "no retreat"; said by Spartan mothers to their sons as they departed for battle
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bellum omnium contra omnes
War of all against all
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citius altius fortius
Faster, higher, stronger ― modern Olympics motto
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dulce bellum inexpertis
War is sweet to the inexperienced
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dulce et decorum est pro patria mori
It is sweet and fitting to die for your country
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fac fortia et patere
Do brave deeds and endure
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laborare pugnare parati sumus
To work, (or) to fight; we are ready
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morior invictus
Death before defeat
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non ducor, duco
I am not led; I lead
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para bellum
Prepare for war ― if you want peace, prepare for war―if a country is ready for war, its enemies are less likely to attack
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in bello parvis momentis magni casus intercedunt
In war, great things are a result of small issues.
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potius mori quam foedari
Better to die, than to be dishonoured
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aut vincere aut mori
Either conquer, or die!
