List of Important Foreign Phrases | English for CLAT PDF Download

Introduction

The vocabulary section of the CLAT UG English paper tests your ability to understand and apply words, including foreign phrases, in comprehension passages, synonyms, antonyms, and contextual questions. This list of  foreign phrases from Latin, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Greek—such as prima facie and carte blanche—is curated to boost your vocabulary skills. These terms, often found in legal texts or general discourse, are key to decoding passages and answering questions accurately. Memorize their meanings and practice with mock tests to excel in the English section.

1. Ab Initio (Latin) - From the beginning.
   Something invalid or valid from the outset, e.g., a void contract.
2. Actus Reus (Latin) - Guilty act.
   The physical act constituting a crime.
3. Ad Hoc (Latin) - For this purpose.
   Something created for a specific, temporary purpose.
4. Ad Idem (Latin) - Meeting of the minds.
   Mutual agreement between parties in a contract.
5. Amicus Curiae (Latin) - Friend of the court.
   A person or entity offering advice to assist a court.
6. Bona Fide (Latin) - In good faith.
   Acting with honest intentions, e.g., in transactions.
7. Caveat Emptor (Latin) - Let the buyer beware.
   The buyer is responsible for checking the quality of goods.
8. Corpus Delicti (Latin) - Body of the crime.
   Material evidence that a crime has occurred.
9. De Facto (Latin) - In fact.
   Existing in reality, regardless of legal recognition.
10. De Jure (Latin) - By law.
    Legally recognized, regardless of actual practice.
11. Ex Post Facto (Latin) - After the fact.
    Actions or laws applied retroactively.
12. Fiat Justitia (Latin) - Let justice be done.
    A call for justice to prevail.
13. Habeas Corpus (Latin) - You shall have the body.
    A writ ensuring a person’s detention is lawful.
14. In Loco Parentis (Latin) - In the place of a parent.
    Acting with parental authority, e.g., by a school.
15. In Re (Latin) - In the matter of.
    Referring to the subject of a legal case.
16. Inter Alia (Latin) - Among other things.
    Indicating a non-exhaustive list.
17. Ipso Facto (Latin) - By the fact itself.
    A direct result of a specific fact.
18. Mens Rea (Latin) - Guilty mind.
    The intent or knowledge of wrongdoing in a crime.
19. Modus Operandi (Latin) - Method of operation.
    A typical way of performing an action.
20. Non Compos Mentis (Latin) - Not of sound mind.
    Unable to make rational decisions, e.g., in legal defenses.
21. Obiter Dictum (Latin) - Said in passing.
    A non-binding remark by a judge.
22. Prima Facie (Latin) - On the face of it.
    Evidence sufficient unless disproved.
23. Pro Bono (Latin) - For the public good.
    Work done without charge for public benefit.
24. Quid Pro Quo (Latin) - Something for something.
    A mutual exchange of benefits or services.
25. Res Ipsa Loquitur (Latin) - The thing speaks for itself.
    Negligence presumed from the nature of an incident.
26. Force Majeure (French) - Superior force.
    An unavoidable event excusing contract performance.
27. En Banc (French) - On the bench.
    A full panel of judges hearing a case.
28. Voir Dire (French) - To speak the truth.
    The process of selecting a jury.
29. Chose in Action (French) - Thing in action.
    A right to sue, e.g., for a debt.
30. Fait Accompli (French) - Done deal.
    An action completed and irreversible.
31. Esprit de Corps (French) - Group spirit.
    A sense of unity within a group.
32. Carte Blanche (French) - Blank card.
    Complete freedom or authority to act.
33. En Vigueur (French) - In force.
    A law or rule currently effective.
34. Raison d’Être (French) - Reason for being.
    The fundamental purpose of something.
35. Déjà Vu (French) - Already seen.
    The feeling of having experienced something before.
36. Coup de Grâce (French) - Blow of mercy.
    A final act to end something decisively.
37. Tête-à-Tête (French) - Head-to-head.
    A private conversation between two people.
38. Noblesse Oblige (French) - Nobility obliges.
    The duty of the privileged to act honorably.
39. Savoir Faire (French) - Knowing how to do.
    The ability to act with tact and expertise.
40. Fuerza Mayor (Spanish) - Major force.
    An uncontrollable event excusing obligations.
41. Buena Fe (Spanish) - Good faith.
    Acting with honesty in dealings.
42. A Prisa (Spanish) - In haste.
    Doing something quickly or urgently.
43. En Común (Spanish) - In common.
    Shared ownership or responsibility.
44. Testigo Presencial (Spanish) - Eyewitness.
    A person who saw an event firsthand.
45. Zeitgeist Verstehen (German) - Understanding the spirit of the age.
    Grasping the prevailing cultural or social mood.
46. Weltschmerz Gefühl (German) - World-weariness feeling.
    A sense of sadness about the state of the world.
47. Realpolitik Ansatz (German) - Practical politics approach.
    A pragmatic approach to governance or policy.
48. Prima Donna (Italian) - First lady.
    A person who is temperamental or demanding.
49. Alta Voce (Italian) - In a loud voice.
    Speaking or expressing something loudly.
50. Kairos Moment (Greek) - Opportune moment.
    The perfect time for action or decision.