Phrase - Foreign Phrases - Exercise - 1 for University Admission Test, Job Application Test, BCS Exam and Any Competitive Examination

Foreign Phrases in English

1. What does the abbreviation 'A.D.' stand for?

A. Anna Domini

B. Anti-dote

C. After death

D. Add data

Answer: A. Anno Domini

Explanation: 'A.D.' is the abbreviation for the Latin phrase 'Anno Domini', which means 'in the year of our Lord', referring to the Christian era (খ্রিষ্টাব্দ). Note the correct spelling is 'Anno Domini'.

2. 'ad hoc' is a — word. [PSTU (A) 09-10]

A. French

B. German

C. English

D. Latin

Answer: D. Latin

Explanation: The phrase 'ad hoc' originates from the Latin language.

3. The phrase 'amicus curiae' means-- [IU (C) 16-17]

A. an amicus dream

B. a senior advocate

C. a friend of the court

D. an arbitrator

Answer: C. a friend of the court

4. Which term is used for a friend of the court? [RU (আইন) 09-10]

A. advocate

B. prosecutor

C. amicus curiae

D. amnesty

Answer: C. amicus curiae

Explanation: 'Amicus curiae' is a Latin term that literally means 'friend of the court' (আদালত-বন্ধু). An advocate (উকিল) represents a client. A prosecutor (অভিযোক্তা) conducts legal proceedings against someone. Amnesty (রাজক্ষমা) is an official pardon.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'ad valorem'?

A. Added value

B. Valuable

C. Valueless

D. According to value

Answer: D. According to value

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'ad valorem' means 'according to value' (মূল্যানুসারে). It is often used for taxes based on the value of goods.

6. The phrase 'Bid adieu' means -. [BRUR (C) 08-09]

A. saying goodbye

B. doing forbidden work

C. being ardent

D. doing arduous works

Answer: A. saying goodbye

Explanation: 'Adieu' is a French word for goodbye. To 'bid adieu' means to say goodbye (বিদায় জানানো).

7. An affidavit is- [CU (E) 10-11]

A. oral oath taking in the court

B. written statement of a witness

C. written statement made under oath

D. written statement made in a court

Answer: C. written statement made under oath

Explanation: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.

8. 'A la mode' means--

A. according to the current fashion

B. out of mood

C. in the menu

D. way of doing

Answer: A. according to the current fashion

Explanation: The French phrase 'a la mode' means fashionable or in the current style (হাল ফ্যাশন অনুযায়ী).

9. Bon voyage means: [DU (D) 07-08, JKKNIU (A) 12-13]

A. Have a sound sleep

B. Devil's advocate

C. A handsome fellow

D. Wish a good trip

Answer: D. Wish a good trip

Explanation: The French phrase 'bon voyage' (বন ভয়াজ) is used to wish someone a good journey (শুভ যাত্রা).

10. What does 'CV' stand for?

A. Curriculum vital

B. Curriculum value

C. Current value

D. Curriculum vitae

Answer: D. Curriculum vitae

Explanation: 'CV' stands for the Latin phrase 'Curriculum vitae', which means 'course of life' (জীবন বৃত্তান্ত).

11. Cul-de-sac means— [22nd BCS, KU (A) 12-13]

A. selection

B. dead end

C. error

D. bubble

Answer: B. dead end

Explanation: 'Cul-de-sac' is a French term for a street or passage that is closed at one end, a dead end (কানাগলি).

12. Debut means— [23rd BCS]

A. first appearance

B. conclusion

C. contradiction

D. gracious response

Answer: A. first appearance

Explanation: 'Debut' (ডেব্যু) is a French word for a person's first public appearance as a performer or in a particular role (আত্মপ্রকাশ).

13. What is the meaning of 'Bona fides'?

A. Bonus

B. Good faith

C. False belief

D. Genuine cultivator

Answer: B. Good faith

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'bona fides' means good faith, sincerity, and honesty of intention (সরল বিশ্বাস).

14. B.C. stands for— [RU (I) 15-16]

A. Before Catastrophe

B. Before Christ

C. Before Coronation

D. British Church

Answer: B. Before Christ

Explanation: 'B.C.' is an abbreviation for 'Before Christ', used to date years prior to year 1 in the Christian calendar.

15. The meaning of "cul-de-sac" is -- [BRUR (A) 11-12]

A. a man who is very selfish

B. a street closed at one end

C. erroneous calculation

D. a man who handles a sack

Answer: B. a street closed at one end

Explanation: A 'cul-de-sac' is a street that is closed at one end.

16. 'De facto' means-

A. de jure

B. two friends

C. in fact

D. surely

Answer: C. in fact

17. 'De facto' means-

A. as per facts

B. in reality

C. by rights

D. evidence

Answer: B. in reality

Explanation: The Latin term 'de facto' means in fact, or in reality (বাস্তবে, কার্যত). It describes practices that exist in reality, even if not legally recognized.

18. De jure বিষয়টি দ্বারা কী বোঝানো হয়? (What is meant by the term De jure?)

A. in fact

B. in law

C. indeed

D. in action

Answer: B. in law

Explanation: The Latin term 'de jure' means by law or according to law (আইনত). It describes practices that are legally recognized.

19. En masse, a French phrase used in English, means- [DU (Advanced English) 12-13]

A. the masses

B. on a massive scale

C. the decision of the masses

D. in a body

Answer: D. in a body

Explanation: 'En masse' is a French phrase meaning 'all together' or 'in a group' (দলবদ্ধভাবে).

20. 'e.g.' stands for-

A. exempli gratia

B. exe grat

C. exempli grat

D. none

Answer: A. exempli gratia

21. In a report or textbook, 'e.g.' or 'eg' means- [JU (C2) 12-13]

A. extra

B. not equal to

C. etcetera

D. for example

Answer: D. for example

Explanation: The abbreviation 'e.g.' comes from the Latin phrase 'exempli gratia', which means 'for example' (উদাহরণস্বরূপ).

22. 'etc' stands for- /What is the full meaning of 'etc'? [RU 09-10, IU (G) 14-15]

A. et cetera

B. etcatra

C. etcectra

D. none

Answer: A. et cetera

Explanation: 'Etc.' is the abbreviation for the Latin phrase 'et cetera', meaning 'and other similar things' (ইত্যাদি).

23. The expression "en masse" is closest in meaning to -- [DU (B-EE) 05-06]

A. in a body

B. a crowd

C. huge

D. a small gathering

Answer: A. in a body

Explanation: 'En masse' means 'all together' or 'as a group', which is synonymous with 'in a body'.

24. The term "en route" means -- [DU (D) 05-06, CU (D) 20-21]

A. Through the way

B. In the way

C. On the way

D. Through the route

Answer: C. On the way

Explanation: The French phrase 'en route' (অন রুট) means on the way (পথিমধ্যে).

25. 'Ex post facto' means —

A. Near the death

B. After the fact

C. After the life

D. After the retirement

Answer: B. After the fact

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'ex post facto' means 'from a thing done afterward' or 'after the fact' (ঘটনা পরবর্তী). It is often used to refer to a law that applies retroactively.

26. The phrase 'functus officio' means--

A. officiating

B. functional office

C. functional authority

D. having no further authority

Answer: D. having no further authority

Explanation: 'Functus officio' is a Latin legal term meaning 'having performed his or her office'. It implies that a person's authority in a matter has ended because their duties have been completed.

27. The French expression 'fait accompli' means--

A. high achievement

B. a thing that has been done and cannot be altered now

C. to accomplish a task

D. a total accident

Answer: B. a thing that has been done and cannot be altered now

Explanation: A 'fait accompli' is something that has already happened or been decided before those affected hear about it, leaving them with no option but to accept it (যা সম্পন্ন হয়ে গেছে এবং পরিবর্তনীয় নয়).

28. The term 'Habeas corpus' relates to — [SUST A 08-09, IU (H) 14-15]

A. Fundamental rights of prisoners

B. Freedom of Jurisprudence

C. Withdrawal of the Embassy

D. Democratic rights of citizen

Answer: A. Fundamental rights of prisoners

Explanation: 'Habeas corpus' is a legal right requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge or into court, especially to secure the person's release unless lawful grounds are shown for their detention. It is a fundamental right of prisoners.

29. The Latin expression 'i.e' stands for-

A. id est

B. ideal energy

C. inner edition

D. in Europe

Answer: A. id est

Explanation: The abbreviation 'i.e.' stands for the Latin phrase 'id est', which means 'that is' or 'in other words' (অর্থাৎ).

30. 'In Re' শব্দটির সঠিক অর্থ কোনটি? (What is the correct meaning of 'In Re'?)

A. In reference to

B. In matter of

C. In the whole

D. It is begun

Answer: B. In matter of

Explanation: The Latin term 'In Re' means 'in the matter of' or 'regarding' (বিষয়ে).

31. The expression 'Ipso facto' means- [CU (E-Law) 12-13]

A. By that very law

B. By that very fact

C. By the law itself

D. By the evidence itself

E. Both the law and fact

Answer: B. By that very fact

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'ipso facto' means 'by the fact itself' (ঐ ঘটনা বলে).

32. The synonym of 'impasse' is : [RU (Marketing) 07-08]

A. impossible

B. solution

C. continuous

D. deadlock

Answer: D. deadlock

Explanation: An impasse or deadlock is a situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement (অচলাবস্থা).

33. 'Laissez faire' means —

A. intimate friend

B. letting alone

C. among others

D. by the law itself

Answer: B. letting alone

Explanation: 'Laissez-faire' is a French term meaning a policy or attitude of letting things take their own course, without interfering (অহস্তক্ষেপ নীতি).

34. What is the meaning of the word 'inter alia'?

A. Between the place

B. Among other things

C. Above all

D. None of the above

Answer: B. Among other things

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'inter alia' means 'among other things' (অন্যান্য বিষয়ের মধ্যে).

35. The term "Lingua franca" is related to -

A. Business

B. Paintings

C. Language

D. Literature

Answer: C. Language

36. The term "Lingua franca" means- [24th BCS, RU (A5) 12-13]

A. the French language

B. language of brothers

C. the common language

D. the first language

Answer: C. the common language

Explanation: A lingua franca is a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different (সংযোগকারী ভাষা).

37. 'Magnus opus' means ---- [BSMRSTU (E) 16-17]

A. misunderstand

B. best work

C. magnolia

D. first work

Answer: B. best work

Explanation: 'Magnum opus' is a Latin phrase for the largest and best, or most important, work of an artist, writer, or composer (শ্রেষ্ঠ কর্ম).

38. The phrase "nouveau riche" means- [35th BCS, JU (F, Law) 15-16]

A. Riche rich

B. Well off

C. New high class

D. New rich

Answer: D. New rich

Explanation: 'Nouveau riche' is a French term for people who have recently acquired wealth, typically those perceived as ostentatious or lacking in good taste (নব্য ধনী).

39. Mens Legis means--

A. Mens rea

B. Legal status of the men

C. Purpose of the law

D. Preamble of the law

Answer: C. Purpose of the law

Explanation: 'Mens legis' is a Latin term meaning 'the mind of the law' or the spirit and purpose behind a law.

40. Full expression of 'N.B.' is- [RU 07-08, IU (C) 16-17]

A. note before

B. nota bene

C. note beside

D. note better

Answer: B. nota bene

41. N.B. (NOTA BENE) means- [RU (A5) 09-10]

A. Note well

B. Take notice

C. look into

D. a + b

Answer: D. a + b

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'nota bene' means 'note well' or 'take special notice' (বিশেষ দ্রষ্টব্য).

42. The meaning of 'modus operandi' is — [CU E 09-10]

A. method of keeping files.

B. method of thinking

C. method of working

D. method of dealing with parties

Answer: C. method of working

Explanation: 'Modus operandi' is a Latin phrase meaning a particular way or method of doing something (কার্যপ্রণালী).

43. 'Posthumous' means — [JnU (D) 08-09, IU (G) 16-17]

A. human qualities

B. occurring before birth

C. occurring after death

D. being rational

Answer: C. occurring after death

Explanation: 'Posthumous' means occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator (মরণোত্তর).

44. 'Prima facie' means —

A. last supper

B. premier value

C. famous person

D. at the first view

Answer: D. at the first view

45. 'Prima facie' means:

A. Last supper

B. famous person

C. Premier value

D. At the first sight

Answer: D. At the first sight

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'prima facie' means 'at first sight' or 'on first impression' (প্রথম দর্শনে).

46. What is the meaning of the word 'post mortem'?

A. Before death

B. Autopsy

C. Declare death

D. Surgical operation

Answer: B. Autopsy

47. What is the meaning of the word 'Post mortem'? [KU 06-07]

A. Before operation

B. After death

C. Before death

D. Surgical operation

Answer: B. After death

Explanation: 'Post-mortem' is a Latin term meaning 'after death' (মরণোত্তর). An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death is called an autopsy or a post-mortem.

48. What are the full forms of a.m. and p.m.?

A. ante merideam and pre merideam

B. after meridieam and post meridieam

C. ante meridiem and post meridiem

D. ante midnight and post midnight

Answer: C. ante meridiem and post meridiem

Explanation: a.m. stands for 'ante meridiem' (before noon) and p.m. stands for 'post meridiem' (after noon).

49. What is the meaning of the word 'viva voce'?

A. Examination

B. A spoken examination

C. Face to face

D. Interview

Answer: B. A spoken examination

Explanation: 'Viva voce' (ভাইভা ভসি) is a Latin phrase meaning 'by the living voice'. It refers to an oral examination (মৌখিক পরীক্ষা).

50. The word 'Quorum' means-

A. number

B. required number

C. allowed number

D. additional number

Answer: B. required number

Explanation: A quorum (কোরাম) is the minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid (গণপূর্তি).

51. 'Status quo' means - [DU (B) 13-14]

A. the existing condition

B. for an indefinite period

C. authentic

D. a predicament

Answer: A. the existing condition

52. He is not for changing things; he is for preserving the - [JnU (C) 08-09]

A. vice versa

B. bona fide

C. ex officio

D. status quo

Answer: D. status quo

53. 'Status quo' means — [JnU (D) 10-11, IU (G) 15-16]

A. to change the present state

B. bring about new style

C. to maintain as it is

D. destroy

Answer: C. to maintain as it is

Explanation: 'Status quo' (স্ট্যাটাস কো) is a Latin phrase meaning the existing state of affairs (পূর্বাবস্থা, স্থিতাবস্থা). To preserve the status quo is to keep things as they are.

54. 'Sub Judice' দ্বারা কী বোঝানো হয়? (What is meant by 'Sub Judice'?)

A. একটি মামলা

B. বিচারাধীন মামলা

C. মামলার রায়

D. খালাস

Answer: B. বিচারাধীন মামলা

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'sub judice' (সাব জুডিস) means 'under a judge' or 'under judicial consideration' (বিচারাধীন).

55. What is the meaning of the word "Ultra vires"?

A. Hanker after money.

B. Beyond the legal power.

C. Within the legal power.

D. Within the legal authority.

Answer: B. Beyond the legal power.

Explanation: 'Ultra vires' (আলট্রা ভাইরাস) is a Latin phrase meaning 'beyond the powers' (ক্ষমতাবহির্ভূত). It describes an act which requires legal authority but is done without it.

56. What is the meaning of the phrase 'sine die'? [CoU (B) 09-10]

A. for a certain period

B. for an uncertain period

C. for a short time

D. none of the above

Answer: B. for an uncertain period

57. Sine die means-

A. immediately

B. on his death

C. closed for the day

D. adjourned indefinitely

Answer: D. adjourned indefinitely

58. The phrase 'sine die' means — [43rd BCS]

A. half-heartedly

B. doubtfully

C. fixed

D. uncertain

Answer: D. uncertain

Explanation: The Latin phrase 'sine die' (সাইনি ডাই) means 'without a day being appointed' (অনির্দিষ্টকালের জন্য). It is used when a meeting or case is adjourned indefinitely.

59. Which is not the meaning of 'viz'? [RU (C2) 18-19]

A. in other words

B. that is to say

C. namely

D. for instance

Answer: D. for instance

Explanation: 'Viz.' is an abbreviation of the Latin word 'videlicet', which means 'namely' or 'that is to say' (অর্থাৎ). 'For instance' is the meaning of 'e.g.'.

60. What is the meaning of the word 'vice versa'? [DU (B) 05-06, CU (D) 09-10]

A. For example

B. Face to face

C. Namely

D. The terms being exchanged

Answer: D. The terms being exchanged

Explanation: 'Vice versa' (ভাইস ভার্সা) is a Latin phrase used to indicate that the reverse of what you have said is also true (বিপরীতক্রমে).