English has borrowed many foreign words and phrases. Here are some of them.
A la mode (French) fashionable
The luxuriously rich are not simply kept comfortably warm, but unnaturally hot; as I implied before, they are cooked a la mode. (From “Walden”)
Alfresco (Italian) open air, out of door
If the weather is fine, we can eat alfresco.
Alias (Latin) false name
A spy was operating under the alias 'Bruno.'
Alibi (Latin) elsewhere
He had a perfect alibi and the police let him go.
Alma mater (Latin) the school or college that someone attended
At the interview I was asked what my alma mater was.
The alpha and omega (Greek) the start and the finish of something
Collective bargaining is viewed as the alpha and omega of trade unionism.
Alter ego (Latin) an intimate friend
Nancy Reagan was widely regarded as the President Reagan’s alter ego.
Alumnus (Latin) a former student of a school or college
Brian was picked for the job as he was an alumnus of a leading college.
Amateur (French) someone who does an activity just for pleasure or someone who you think is not very skilled at something.
Leon was a practising lawyer but an amateur when it came to acting.
Amazon (Greek) a physically powerful and imposing female
“I may not be an amazon, but I’ll not give up easily,” said Margaret.
Ambience / ambiance (French) the qualities and character of a particular place and the way these make you feel
The hotel’s new owner has created a welcoming ambience.
Ambrosia (Latin) food or drink that tastes very good
I fell into conversation with a stranger who sipped some golden ambrosia.
Amen (Latin) so be it, usually spoken at the end of a prayer or to express approval
Blessed be the Lord. Amen!
Amigo (Spanish) friend
Have you found it, amigo?
Amnesia (Greek) forgetfulness
Research is being undertaken to determine whether people who suffer from amnesia can still remember their general knowledge of objects.
Amok (Malay) in a wild, frenzied, uncontrollable manner
Drunken troops ran amok in the city.
Analysis (Greek) a detailed examination of something
Further analysis of the data is needed.
Anathema (Greek) something that is completely the opposite of what you believe
Your political views are anathema to me.
Ancien regime (French) any former social or political system that has become outdated
The ancient regime was swept away when the Blue Party won the election.
Anaemia / anemia (Latin) a shortage of red cells in the blood
The doctors diagnosed anemia and the patient was confined to bed.
Anaesthesia (Latin) the state of being unable to feel pain
The patient began to emerge from his anaesthesia after a few hours.
Angst (German) a strong feeling of anxiety and unhappiness because you are worried about your life
His music shows a barely disguised angst.