List of Latin phrases (D) facts for kids

Latin is an ancient language that was spoken by the Romans. Even though it's not spoken much today, many Latin words and phrases are still used in English! You might hear them in movies, read them in books, or even see them as mottos for schools or cities.

Learning these phrases can help you understand history, law, science, and even some everyday sayings. Let's explore some interesting Latin phrases that start with the letter 'D'.

Everyday Latin Phrases

Many Latin phrases are used in daily life or have meanings that are easy to understand.

Phrases About Understanding and Wisdom

• da Deus fortunae

* Meaning: "O God, give fortune/happiness." * This was a traditional greeting used by brewers in the Czech Republic. It's like wishing someone good luck and happiness!

• damnant quod non intellegunt

* Meaning: "They condemn what they do not understand." * This phrase means that people sometimes criticize or dislike things just because they don't understand them. It's a reminder to try and understand something before judging it.

• de gustibus non est disputandum

* Meaning: "Of tastes there is nothing to be disputed." * This means "there's no arguing about taste." Everyone likes different things, and that's okay! For example, some people love pizza with pineapple, and others don't – and neither is wrong.

• de integro

* Meaning: "again, a second time." * If you do something "de integro," you're doing it all over again from the start.

• de omnibus dubitandum

* Meaning: "Doubt everything." * This idea comes from famous thinkers like René Descartes and Karl Marx. It encourages you to question everything and not just accept things without thinking.

• dicto simpliciter

* Meaning: "from a rule without exception." * This phrase is used in logic. It means applying a general rule to every situation, even when there might be an exception. For example, "Birds can fly" is a general rule, but penguins are an exception.

• docendo discitur

* Meaning: "It is learned by teaching" or "one learns by teaching." * This means that when you teach someone else, you actually learn and understand the topic better yourself!

• docendo disco, scribendo cogito

* Meaning: "I learn by teaching, I think by writing." * Similar to the above, this phrase highlights how teaching helps you learn, and writing helps you organize your thoughts.

Phrases About Time and Life

• diem perdidi

* Meaning: "I have lost the day." * The Roman Emperor Titus supposedly said this if he went a day without doing something good for someone. It's a way to express regret for a wasted day.

• dum vita est, spes est

* Meaning: "While there is life, there is hope." * This is an encouraging phrase, meaning that as long as you are alive, there is always a chance for things to get better.

• dum vivimus, vivamus

* Meaning: "While we live, let us live." * This phrase encourages you to enjoy life to the fullest while you can.

Phrases About Actions and Consequences

• dimidium facti, qui coepit, habet

* Meaning: "He has half the deed done, who has made a beginning." * This means that starting a task is often the hardest part, and once you begin, you're already halfway there!

• divide et impera

* Meaning: "divide and rule" or "divide and conquer." * This is a strategy where you break a larger group into smaller, weaker parts to control them more easily. It was used by Roman leaders like Julius Caesar.

• dixi

* Meaning: "I have spoken." * People use this at the end of a speech or argument to show they have said everything they wanted to say, and the discussion is finished.

• dictum factum

* Meaning: "what is said is done." * This means that words are quickly followed by actions. It's a motto for quick and decisive action.

• dictum meum pactum

* Meaning: "my word is my bond." * This is a promise that your word is trustworthy and you will always do what you say you will. It's the motto of the London Stock Exchange.

• dura lex sed lex

* Meaning: "[the] law [is] harsh, but [it is the] law." * This phrase means that laws must be followed, even if they seem strict or unfair. It emphasizes that the law applies to everyone.

Latin in Law and Government

Latin has had a big influence on legal systems and how governments work, especially in countries that were once part of the Roman Empire.

• da mihi factum, dabo tibi ius

* Meaning: "Give me the fact, I will give you the law." * This is a legal principle from Roman law. It means that in a court case, the people involved should present all the facts, and the judge will then apply the correct laws to those facts to make a decision.

• damnatio memoriae

* Meaning: "damnation of memory." * In ancient Rome, if an emperor or important person was disgraced, the Romans would try to erase all records and images of them, pretending they never existed. This was a way to punish them even after death.

• de bene esse

* Meaning: "as well done." * In law, a "de bene esse" deposition is when a witness's testimony is recorded early because they might not be able to appear in court later. It's done "as well done" as possible to preserve it.

• de facto

* Meaning: "by deed" or "in reality." * This describes something that is true in practice, even if it's not official or legal. For example, a "de facto leader" is someone who acts as the leader, even if they haven't been officially elected.

• de jure

* Meaning: "by law" or "officially." * This is the opposite of "de facto." It describes something that is true according to the law or official rules. For example, a "de jure government" is the one officially recognized.

• de minimis non curat lex

* Meaning: "The law does not care about the smallest things." * This means that courts won't spend time on very small, unimportant issues. A case needs to have some real significance for the law to get involved.

• de novo

* Meaning: "from the new" or "afresh." * In law, a "trial de novo" is a completely new trial, as if the case had never been heard before. In other areas, it means something newly created or starting over.

• dies non juridicum

* Meaning: "Day without judiciary." * These are days (like Sundays in old English law) when no legal actions could be taken, and any legal judgment would not be valid.

• dura mater

* Meaning: "tough mother." * This is a scientific term for the strong, outer covering that protects your brain and spinal cord.

Latin in Religion and Belief

Many Latin phrases come from religious texts or traditions, especially from the Roman Catholic Church.

• dat deus incrementum

* Meaning: "God gives growth." * This is a motto used by several schools, suggesting that God helps things grow and succeed.

• Dei gratia

* Meaning: "By the grace of God." * Kings and queens historically used this phrase to show that they believed their right to rule came from God.

• Dei gratia regina

* Meaning: "By the Grace of God, Queen." * You can often see this phrase (or "Dei gratia rex" for a king) on coins, like British or Canadian money, showing the monarch's divine right.

• Deus caritas est

* Meaning: "God Is Love." * This is the title of an important letter from Pope Benedict XVI, emphasizing that God's nature is love.

• deus ex machina

* Meaning: "a god from a machine." * Originally from ancient Greek plays, where an actor playing a god would be lowered onto the stage by a crane to solve a difficult plot problem. Today, it means a sudden, unexpected, and often unbelievable solution to a problem in a story.

• Deus vult

* Meaning: "God wills it." * This was the main slogan used by the Crusaders, who believed their military actions were willed by God.

• dies irae

* Meaning: "Day of wrath." * This refers to the Day of Judgment in Christianity. It's also the title of a famous medieval hymn.

• do ut des

* Meaning: "I give that you may give." * This phrase describes the idea of a fair exchange or a give-and-take relationship, often used in ancient religious sacrifices where people gave offerings hoping for a return from the gods.

• dona nobis pacem

* Meaning: "give us peace." * This is a prayer often sung in churches, asking for peace.

• Dominus illuminatio mea

* Meaning: "The Lord is my light." * This is the motto of the University of Oxford in England, suggesting that God provides guidance and understanding.

• Dominus vobiscum

* Meaning: "The Lord be with you." * A common greeting and blessing used in Catholic church services.

Latin Mottos and Sayings

Many organizations, schools, and even countries use Latin phrases as their mottos to express their values or goals.

• datum perficiemus munus

* Meaning: "We shall accomplish the mission assigned." * This is the motto of a special police unit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, showing their dedication to their tasks.

• defendit numerus

* Meaning: "There is safety in numbers." * This means that being part of a larger group can offer protection or strength.

• Defensor Fortis

* Meaning: "Defender of the Force." * This is the official motto of the United States Air Force Security Forces.

• Deo et patriae

* Meaning: "For God and country." * A common motto for schools and military groups, showing loyalty to both faith and nation.

• Deo juvante

* Meaning: "with God's help." * This is the motto of Monaco and its ruler, found on their coat of arms.

• Deo optimo maximo (DOM)

* Meaning: "To the best and greatest God." * This phrase is often seen on old buildings or religious items, showing devotion to God. It's also printed on bottles of Bénédictine liqueur!

• Deo vindice

* Meaning: "with God as protector" or "with an avenging God." * This was the motto of the Confederate States of America.

• Deo volente

* Meaning: "God willing." * People used to write this in letters to mean "if God allows it to happen." It's similar to the Arabic phrase "inshallah."

• desiderantes meliorem patriam

* Meaning: "they desired a better land." * This is the motto of the Order of Canada, an award given to Canadians who have made great achievements.

• dirigo

* Meaning: "I direct." * This is the motto of the State of Maine in the United States, comparing the state to the North Star, Polaris, which guides travelers.

• disce aut discede

* Meaning: "learn or depart" / "learn or leave." * A strict motto for some schools, meaning you either commit to learning or you leave.

• discere faciendo

* Meaning: "learn by doing." * This is the motto of several California Polytechnic State Universities, emphasizing hands-on learning.

• ditat Deus

* Meaning: "God enriches." * This is the motto of the State of Arizona in the United States.

• Domine dirige nos

* Meaning: "O Lord, guide us." * This is the motto of the City of London, England.

• Dominus fortitudo nostra

* Meaning: "The Lord is our strength." * A motto for schools like Southland College in the Philippines.

• draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

* Meaning: "a sleeping dragon is never to be tickled." * This is the fun motto of the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the Harry Potter series! It means don't bother something dangerous if it's peaceful.

• ducimus

* Meaning: "we lead." * The motto of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps.

• ducit amor patriae

* Meaning: "love of country leads me." * A motto showing strong patriotism, like for the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment in Australia.

• ductus exemplo

* Meaning: "leadership by example." * This is the motto of the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, meaning leaders should show the way through their own actions.

• dulce periculum

* Meaning: "danger is sweet." * A motto for the Scottish Clan MacAulay, suggesting they enjoy challenges.

• dulcius ex asperis

* Meaning: "sweeter after difficulties." * This motto, used by the Scottish Clan Fergusson, means that success feels even better after overcoming challenges.

• dum cresco spero

* Meaning: "I hope when I grow." * The motto of The Ravensbourne School.

• dum spiro spero

* Meaning: "while I breathe, I hope." * A very famous phrase, meaning that as long as you are alive, you should never give up hope. It's the motto of the State of South Carolina.

• dum vivimus servimus

* Meaning: "while we live, we serve." * The motto of Presbyterian College, showing a commitment to service throughout life.

• dux

* Meaning: "leader." * A simple Latin word for a leader.

• dux bellorum

* Meaning: "leader of wars." * This was a description of the legendary King Arthur in ancient texts.

Latin in Literature and Arts

Latin phrases often appear in plays, poems, and other forms of art.

• decus et tutamen

* Meaning: "an ornament and a safeguard." * This phrase from the Roman poet Virgil is inscribed on British one-pound coins. It refers to the design on the edge of the coin, which makes it look nice and also protects it from being illegally trimmed.

• disiecta membra

* Meaning: "scattered limbs" or "scattered remains." * This phrase is used to describe parts of something that have been broken up or spread out, like pieces of a poem.

• dramatis personae

* Meaning: "the parts/characters of the play." * You'll often see this at the beginning of a play or movie script, listing all the characters involved.

• duae tabulae rasae in quibus nihil scriptum est

* Meaning: "two blank slates with nothing written upon them." * Stan Laurel used this phrase for the fan club logo of The Sons of the Desert, referring to the idea of a "tabula rasa" or "blank slate," meaning a mind or object without any pre-existing ideas or marks.

• dulce et decorum est pro patria mori

* Meaning: "It is sweet and honorable to die for the fatherland." * This famous line from the Roman poet Horace was often used to encourage soldiers. However, the poet Wilfred Owen used it ironically in his poem about World War I to show the horrors of war.

• dulce et utile

* Meaning: "a sweet and useful thing" / "pleasant and profitable." * Horace also said that good poetry should be both enjoyable (sweet) and teach you something (useful).