Use context as a clue to the meanings of foreign expressions

Key Notes:

🔹 What are Foreign Expressions?

• Foreign expressions are words or short phrases borrowed from other languages (Latin, French, Spanish, Italian, etc.).
• Many of them are commonly used in English, especially in literature, speeches, news, and everyday life.
• Example: carpe diem (Latin) = seize the day.

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🔹 Why Use Context Clues?

Even if you don’t know the foreign language, you can figure out the meaning by:

• Looking at the sentence around it.
• Finding clues in nearby words.
• Thinking about the situation (meal, mistake, motto, invitation, etc.).

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🔹 Example Sentences with Context

1. The teacher formed an ad hoc group to plan the annual day, created only for that specific purpose.

• Context = “created only for that specific purpose.”
• Meaning → ad hoc = for a special purpose.

2. He shouted “Bon appétit!” before everyone began to eat.

• Context = “before everyone began to eat.”
• Meaning → bon appétit = enjoy your meal.

3. She had a strange feeling of déjà vu, as though she had already experienced the moment before.

• Context = “as though she had already experienced the moment before.”
• Meaning → déjà vu = feeling of repetition.

4. His joke at the meeting was a serious faux pas, and people became uncomfortable.

• Context = “people became uncomfortable.”
• Meaning → faux pas = social mistake.

5. The principal reminded the students, “Remember, carpe diem—make the most of today!”

• Context = “make the most of today.”
• Meaning → carpe diem = seize the day.

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🔹 Common Foreign Expressions in English

Expression	Language	Meaning	Example
ad hoc	Latin	for a special purpose	An ad hoc meeting was held.
bon appétit	French	enjoy your meal	The host said, “Bon appétit!”
carpe diem	Latin	seize the day	Her motto is carpe diem.
déjà vu	French	feeling of repetition	I felt déjà vu.
faux pas	French	social mistake	His rude comment was a faux pas.
status quo	Latin	existing state of things	The leader wanted the status quo.
RSVP	French	please respond	Don’t forget to RSVP to the party.
vice versa	Latin	the other way around	She helps me, and vice versa.
alma mater	Latin	school one graduated from	She donated to her alma mater.
per capita	Latin	per person	The income per capita has risen.

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🔹 Strategy for Students

1. Read the whole sentence.
2. Notice the clues around the expression.
3. Replace the foreign expression with a possible English word.
4. Check if it makes sense.

📝 Worksheets:

Part A: Multiple Choice (Choose the correct meaning)

1. The committee was created on an ad hoc basis, designed only to deal with the sudden crisis.
   a) permanent
   b) temporary, for a special purpose
   c) official
2. Before starting the feast, the chef raised his glass and said, “Bon appétit!”
   a) Have a safe journey
   b) Enjoy your meal
   c) Good night
3. The principal encouraged students with the words, “Carpe diem—make the most of your opportunities today.”
   a) Study hard
   b) Seize the day
   c) Be polite
4. He embarrassed himself by making a rude joke at the party—a serious faux pas.
   a) Social mistake
   b) Brilliant idea
   c) Big achievement
5. The new mayor promised to improve the city, but some people preferred to keep the status quo.
   a) The same situation
   b) A big change
   c) A celebration

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Part B: Fill in the Blank

Use these expressions: (déjà vu, RSVP, vice versa, alma mater, per capita)

6. Please don’t forget to __________ to the wedding invitation so the hosts know how many guests to expect.
7. When I entered the old library, I felt a strange sense of __________, as if I had seen it all before.
8. She respects me, and __________, I respect her too.
9. The income __________ in the country has doubled in the past ten years.
10. After ten years, she returned to her __________ to meet her old professors.

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Part C: Passage Practice

Read the passage and answer the questions.

At the dinner, the host raised his glass and said, “Bon appétit!” The guests smiled and began eating. Later, one student made a rude joke, which was a serious faux pas, but the teachers ignored it to keep the status quo. At the end, the principal told the students, “Remember, carpe diem—make the most of your life today!”

11. What does bon appétit mean in this passage?
12. What does faux pas mean in this passage?
13. What does status quo mean in this passage?
14. What does carpe diem mean in this passage?

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✅ Answer Key

Part A: Multiple Choice

1 → b) temporary, for a special purpose
2 → b) Enjoy your meal
3 → b) Seize the day
4 → a) Social mistake
5 → a) The same situation

Part B: Fill in the Blank

6. RSVP
7. déjà vu
8. vice versa
9. per capita
10. alma mater

Part C: Passage Practice

11. bon appétit = enjoy your meal
12. faux pas = a social mistake
13. status quo = the existing situation
14. carpe diem = seize the day / make the most of today

Summary

In summary, understanding foreign expressions can be achieved by strategically analyzing context clues. Utilizing definition, synonym, antonym, example, and inference strategies allows for a more profound comprehension of the text and enhances vocabulary. Consistent practice of these techniques refines the ability to decode unfamiliar terms effectively.

let’s practice!