Foreign words and phrases
English has borrowed a large number of foreign words and phrases. Here are some of them.
Exempli gratia (Latin) for the sake of example, abbreviated as e.g.
Enigma (Greek) a mystery of puzzle
The neighbours regarded the new owner of the estate as something of an enigma.
Ex gratia (Latin) as a favour
The retiring employee received an ex gratia payment of Rs 50,000.
Exit (Latin) a door or space through which you can leave a public room or building
Two men were blocking our exit from the building.
Ex libris (Latin) from the library of, abbreviated as ‘ex lib’
Exodus (Greek) a situation in which a lot of people leave a particular place at the same time.
A massive exodus of engineers is forcing the government to recruit from abroad.
Ex officio (Latin) an ex officio member of an organization is only a member because of their rank or position
Exotica (Latin) things which are unusual and exciting, especially because they come from foreign countries
Various items of exotica spilled out of the tourist’s suitcase.
Ex parte (Latin) from or on one side only, especially in legal proceedings
Expose (French) an exposure of sensational or discrediting facts
The newspaper published an expose of corrupt practices of lawyers.
Ex post facto (Latin) an ex post facto law makes a particular action into crime, and then punishes people who took that action before it had legally become a crime.
Extempore (Latin) in an unpremeditated unprepared manner
Joe delivered an extempore speech at the meeting.
Extra ordinaire (French) extraordinary, remarkable, unusual
It was a fantastic performance by a showman extraordinaire.
Extravaganza (Italian) a lavish or spectacular display
Past pupils held a musical extravaganza to mark their school’s golden jubilee.
Façade (French) the front of a building, or a false or superficial appearance
Behind her cheerful façade, Chandra is a really lonely woman.
Facsimile (Latin) an exact copy of a picture, or piece of writing
Factotum (Latin) a servant or worker who has to do many different kinds of jobs for someone
Fait accompli (French) something that has already happened or been done and cannot be changed
Fakir (Arabic) a travelling Hindu or Muslim holy man
Falsetto (Italian) a very high male voice
Fandango (Spanish) a fast Spanish or South American dance, or music for this dance
Fantasia (Italian) a piece of music that does not have a regular form or style
Farce (French) an event or a situation that is very badly organized or does not happen properly, in a way that is silly and unreasonable
Fatwa (Arabic) an official order made by an important Islamic religious leader
Fauna (Latin) all the animals living in a particular area or period in history
Faux pas (French) an embarrassing mistake in a social situation
Femme fatale (French) a beautiful woman who men find very attractive even though she may make them unhappy
Feng-shui (Chinese) a Chinese system of organizing the furniture and other things in a house or building in a way that people believe will bring good luck and happiness
Fest (German) a celebration or festive gathering
Foetus (Latin) an unborn child
It is now possible to detect a range of physical abnormalities through examination of the unborn foetus.