List of Latin phrases (O)

This page lists Latin phrases beginning with the letter O. The phrases are presented alphabetically.

Obiter dictum

A remark made in passing. In law, it refers to a judge's incidental expression of opinion, not essential to the decision and therefore not binding as precedent. Often shortened to just "obiter."

Odi et amo

"I hate and I love." A phrase from Catullus, expressing the contradictory nature of love.

O fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint, agricolas!

"O, too fortunate farmers, if they but knew their blessings!" From Virgil's Georgics, highlighting the perceived simple happiness of rural life, though often read with an ironic subtext.

Omne ignotum pro magnifico est

"Everything unknown is taken for magnificent." A saying by Tacitus, suggesting that people tend to overestimate the value of things they don't understand.

Omnes vulnerant, ultima necat

"All wound, the last one kills." Often found on sundials and clocks, referring to the passage of time and its ultimate effect: death.

Omnia causa fiunt

"All things happen for a reason." A belief in predetermination or divine providence.

Omnia mea mecum porto

"All that is mine I carry with me." Attributed to Bias of Priene, expressing the idea that true wealth lies in one's inner qualities, which cannot be taken away.

Omnia mutantur, nihil interit

"Everything changes, nothing perishes." A quote from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, emphasizing the constant state of flux in the world but also the conservation of matter.

Omnia praesumuntur rite et solemniter esse acta

"All things are presumed to have been done rightly and with due solemnity." A legal maxim concerning evidence, suggesting that procedures are presumed to be properly followed unless proven otherwise.

Omnia vincit amor

"Love conquers all." From Virgil's Eclogues. A common and well-known expression. Sometimes extended to "et nos cedamus amori" ("and let us yield to love").

Opus Dei

"The Work of God." A title applied to various organizations and endeavors, most notably a Catholic personal prelature.

Ora et labora

"Pray and work." A Benedictine motto, emphasizing the importance of both spiritual and physical labor.

O tempora! O mores!

"Oh, the times! Oh, the customs!" A phrase from Cicero, expressing dismay at moral decay.

Otium cum dignitate

"Leisure with dignity." A Roman concept of cultivated leisure, involving intellectual pursuits and civic engagement rather than simple idleness.