List of Latin phrases (V) facts for kids

This article explains some interesting Latin phrases that start with the letter 'V'. Latin was the language spoken by the ancient Romans, and many of their sayings are still used today!

Famous Sayings and Mottos

Vade mecum

This phrase means "go with me." It's used to describe something you carry with you all the time, like a small handbook or a guide. Think of it as your personal helper that goes everywhere you do!

Vade retro Satana

Meaning "go back, Satan," this is a strong command to tell evil to leave. It comes from a famous story where Jesus Christ tells St. Peter to "get behind Me, Satan" in the Bible. It's often used in old religious texts to resist bad influences.

Vae victis

This means "woe to the conquered" or "too bad for those who lost." It was supposedly said by a Gaulish chief named Brennus way back in 390 BC. When the Gauls had defeated the Romans and were demanding gold, Brennus added his sword to the scales, saying this phrase to show that the losers had no say in the terms. It means the winners make the rules.

Vanitas vanitatum omnia vanitas

This long phrase means "vanity of vanities; everything is vanity." It comes from an ancient book called Ecclesiastes in the Bible. It suggests that many things people chase after, like fame or money, are not truly important in the long run.

Veni, vidi, vici

This is one of the most famous Latin phrases! It means "I came, I saw, I conquered." Julius Caesar supposedly sent this short message to the Roman Senate after a quick victory in battle in 47 BC. It shows how fast and completely he won.

Verba docent exempla trahunt

This phrase means "words instruct, illustrations lead." It highlights that while words can teach you things, seeing examples or actions is often more powerful and helps you understand better.

Verba volant, scripta manent

Meaning "words fly away, writings remain," this saying tells us that spoken words can be forgotten easily, but what is written down lasts much longer. It's why keeping notes or writing things down is important!

Verbatim

This word means "word for word." When you quote something verbatim, you write or say it exactly as it was originally said or written, without changing anything.

Verbum sapienti sat est (or Verbum sap.)

This phrase means "a word to the wise is sufficient." It's often shortened to "verbum sap." It means that if someone is smart, you only need to give them a small hint, and they'll understand the rest.

Veritas

Simply meaning "truth," this word is a very popular motto for many schools and universities around the world. It represents the idea of seeking knowledge and understanding what is real.

Veritas lux mea

This motto, meaning "truth is my light," is used by Seoul National University in South Korea. It suggests that truth guides and enlightens you, helping you see clearly.

Veritas numquam perit

This phrase means "truth never expires" or "truth never dies." It was said by the Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger. It means that the truth will always remain, no matter how much time passes.

Veritas omnia vincit

This powerful phrase means "truth conquers all." It's a popular motto that suggests that in the end, truth will always win over lies or difficulties.

Veritas vincit

Similar to the one above, this means "truth conquers." It's the motto on the flag of the presidents of the Czech Republic.

Veto

This word means "I forbid." In politics, a veto is the power of a leader (like a president) to stop a law from being passed. It's a way to say "no" to a proposal.

Via media

This phrase means "middle road" or "middle way." It describes finding a compromise or a balanced solution between two extreme ideas or options.

Via, veritas, vita

Meaning "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," these are famous words spoken by Jesus Christ in the Bible. Many institutions use this as their motto to represent guidance, honesty, and purpose.

Vice versa

This common phrase means "with position turned" or "the other way around." If you say "I like apples, and vice versa for oranges," it means you like apples, and you also like oranges (the other way around).

Victoria amat curam

This motto means "victory demands dedication." It suggests that to win, you need to be very committed and put in a lot of effort. It's the motto of the North Melbourne Football Club.

Victoria concordia crescit

Meaning "victory comes from harmony," this is the motto of the famous football club Arsenal F.C.. It means that working well together and being united helps a team win.

Video et taceo

This phrase means "I see and keep silent." It was the motto of Queen Elizabeth I of England, suggesting she observed things carefully but didn't always reveal her thoughts or plans.

Vincere est vivere

This motto means "to conquer is to live." It was used by Captain John Smith, an explorer. It suggests that overcoming challenges and achieving goals is what makes life meaningful.

Vincit qui patitur

Meaning "he conquers who endures," this phrase suggests that the person who can be patient and keep going through difficulties will ultimately succeed.

Vincit qui se vincit

This powerful motto means "he (or she) conquers who conquers himself (or herself)." It's about overcoming your own weaknesses, fears, or bad habits. Many schools use it to teach self-control and inner strength.

Vires acquirit eundo

This phrase means "she gathers strength as she goes." It comes from an ancient Roman poem called the Aeneid. It describes something that gets stronger or more powerful as it moves forward. It's the motto on the Coat of arms of Melbourne.

Viribus unitis

Meaning "with united forces," this was the motto of the Habsburg-Lorraine family, a very important royal family in European history. It emphasizes the strength that comes from working together.

Virtus et scientia

This common motto means "virtue and knowledge." It suggests that being a good person (virtue) and having a lot of learning (knowledge) are both very important qualities.

Virtus unita fortior

This phrase means "virtue united is stronger." It is the national motto of Andorra, a small country in Europe. It highlights that strength comes from unity and good character.

Virtute et armis

Meaning "by virtue and arms," this is the state motto of Mississippi in the United States. It suggests that success comes from both good character and strength or military power.

Viva voce

This phrase means "living voice" or "by word of mouth." It's often used to describe an oral exam, where you answer questions by speaking, rather than writing.

Vivat rex

This means "may the king live" or "long live the king!" It's a traditional cheer for a king. If it's a queen, it would be "vivat regina."

Vivere est cogitare

Meaning "to live is to think," this phrase was said by the Roman philosopher Cicero. It suggests that thinking and using your mind are essential parts of being alive.

Vivere militare est

This phrase means "to live is to fight." It was said by Seneca the Younger. It suggests that life is full of challenges and struggles, and you must be ready to face them.

Vox clamantis in deserto

This means "the voice of one crying in the wilderness." It comes from the Bible and describes someone speaking an important message that others might not be listening to or understanding. It's the motto of Dartmouth College.

Vox populi

Meaning "voice of the people," this phrase refers to the opinions or beliefs of ordinary people. You might hear it used when talking about public opinion or surveys.

Vox populi, vox Dei

This longer phrase means "the voice of the people is the voice of God." It suggests that the general opinion of the public is often wise and should be listened to.

Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores

This interesting saying means "the fox changes his fur, not his habits." It implies that while someone might change their appearance or superficial things, their basic character or way of doing things often stays the same.