English has borrowed many foreign words and phrases. Here is a collection of such words and phrases.
Anno Domini (Latin) in the year of Our Lord; abbreviated as AD
The world was not in a developed state in the first century AD.
Anorexia nervosa (Latin) a mental illness that makes someone to stop eating
Self-induced vomiting has been associated with anorexia nervosa.
Ante (Latin) any payment made in advance
The one-eyed man upped the ante by Rs 10,000.
Antechamber (French) a small room that is connected to a larger one
The prince was beckoned into a big antechamber.
Antenna (Latin) one of two long thin parts on an inset’s head used to feel things. It also refers to a radio or television aerial.
Anthrax (Greek) a serious disease affecting cattle and sheep, which can also affect humans
The troops are being vaccinated against anthrax.
Anti (Greek) opposed to
Many parents have joined the anti-smoking campaign.
Antithesis (Greek) a counter thesis Totalitarianism is the antithesis of democracy.
Apartheid (Afrikaans) a policy of racial segregation
The policy of apartheid has left a bitter legacy among its victims.
Apex (Latin) the peak or summit
He climbed up to the apex of the roof.
Aplomb (French) self-confidence
The teacher handled the students’ problems with great aplomb.
Apogee (French) the most successful part
Brian’s political career reached its apogee in the 1970s.
Apologia (Greek) a statement in which you defend an idea
The Bishop published an apologia in defence of his decision.
Apostrophe (Greek) this is a punctuation mark used to indicate possession or omission
I am going to buy Jack’s car.
I haven’t met Mary for ages.
Appendix (Latin) a small organ near your bowel
She is going to hospital to have her appendix removed.
A priori (Latin) using previous experiences or facts to decide what the likely result of something will be
The ruling has been made on a priori grounds.
Apropos (French) used to introduce a new subject that is related to something just mentioned
I had nothing to say apropos the latest developments.
Aqua (Latin) water or a light bluish green colour
Henry drives a pale aqua sports car.
Aquarium (Latin) a water-filled tank, pond or other container for keeping live fish
The aquarium has been restocked with dozen exotic fish.
Arabesque (French) a position in ballet in which you stand on one foot with the other leg stretched out straight behind you
Arbiter (Latin) someone who settles an argument between two opposing sides
The European Court of Justice will be the final arbiter in the dispute.
Arboretum (Latin) a place where trees are grown for scientific study
The authorities have decided to keep the arboretum open to the public on weekends.
Arcadia (Greek) a place where a peaceful life of rustic pleasure can be enjoyed
Arcane (Latin) mysterious or secret
Ordinary people cannot understand the arcane language of the law.
Archipelago (Italian) a group of small islands
The archipelago was swamped by a tidal wave.
Aria (Italian) a song that is sung by only one person in an opera
At the piano a young woman sat singing an aria.
Armada (Spanish) a large group of things, especially ships or boats
The formidable armada surrounded the island.
Armageddon (Greek) a decisive final battle or confrontation
A nuclear armageddon will destroy the whole world.
Arsenal (Italian) a large group of weapons that someone has
Emma still had a few weapons left in her arsenal with which to impress her superiors.