All the more certainly.

*A fortiori* in Latin literally means “from the stronger (argument).” The term is used when drawing a conclusion that's even more obvious or convincing than the one just drawn. Thus, if teaching English grammar to native speakers is difficult, then, a fortiori, teaching English grammar to nonnative speakers will be even more challenging.

Relating to or derived by reasoning from known or observed facts.

*A posteriori*, Latin for “from the latter,” is a term from logic, which usually refers to reasoning that works backward from an effect to its causes. This kind of reasoning can sometimes lead to false conclusions. The fact that sunrise follows the crowing of a rooster, for example, doesn't necessarily mean that the rooster's crowing caused the sun to rise.

Relating to or derived by reasoning from self-evident propositions.

*A priori*, Latin for “from the former,” is traditionally contrasted with *a posteriori* (see above). The term usually describes lines of reasoning or arguments that proceed from the general to the particular, or from causes to effects. Whereas a posteriori knowledge is knowledge based solely on experience or personal observation, a priori knowledge is knowledge that comes from the power of reasoning based on self-evident truths. So, for example, “Every mother has had a child” is an a priori statement, since it shows simple logical reasoning and isn't a statement of fact about a specific case (such as “This woman is the mother of five children”) that the speaker knew about from experience.

(1) Made in good faith, without deceit. (2) Authentic or genuine.

*Bona fide* means “in good faith” in Latin. When applied to business deals and the like, it stresses the absence of fraud or deception. A bona fide sale of securities is an entirely aboveboard transaction. Outside of business and law, *bona fide* implies mere sincerity and earnestness. A bona fide promise is one that the person has every intention of keeping. A bona fide proposal of marriage is one made by a suitor who isn't kidding around. *Bona fide* also has the noun form *bona fides*; when someone asks about someone else's *bona fides*, it usually means evidence of their qualifications or achievements.

Enjoy the pleasures or opportunities of the moment without concern about the future.

*Carpe diem*, a phrase that comes from the Roman poet Horace, means literally “Pluck the day,” though it's usually translated as “ Seize the day.” A free translation might be “Enjoy yourself while you have the chance.” For some people, *Carpe diem* serves as the closest thing to a philosophy of life as they'll ever have.

Let the buyer beware.

“Without a warranty, the buyer must take the risk” is the basic meaning of the phrase *caveat emptor.* In the days when buying and selling was carried on in the local marketplace, the rule was a practical one. Buyer and seller knew each other and were on equal footing. The nature of modern commerce and technology placed the buyer at a disadvantage, however, so a stack of regulations have been written by federal, state, and local agencies to protect the consumer against dangerous or defective products, fraudulent practices, and the like. But the principle that a buyer needs a warranty if he is to avoid risk remains an important legal concept. Note that a *caveat* is a small warning or explanation intended to avoid misinterpretation.

(1) The substantial and basic fact or facts necessary to prove that a crime has been committed. (2) The material substance, such as the murdered body, on which a crime has been committed.

*Corpus delicti* literally means “body of the crime” in Latin. In its original sense, the body in question refers not to a corpse but to the body of essential facts that, taken together, prove that a crime has been committed. In popular usage, *corpus delicti* also refers to the actual physical object upon which a crime has been committed. In a case of arson, it would be a ruined building; in a murder case, the victim's corpse.

A short summary of one's career and qualifications, typically prepared by an applicant for a position; résumé .

The Latin phrase *curriculum vitae,* often abbreviated CV, literally means “the course of one's life.” The term is usually used for applications for jobs in the sciences and medicine and for teaching positions in colleges and universities. A shorter term is simply *vita*, meaning “life.” In other fields, *résumé* is more commonly used in the U.S.; in England, however, *curriculum vitae* is the usual term for any job application. ```