The ancient Romans used shorthand or abbreviations just like we do today. Here is a list of Latin shorthand that you might not have realized were Latin in origin!

(1) Vs.

(2) t.i.d.

(3) stat

(4) RIP

(5) m.o.

(6) m.p.

(7) MA

(8) i.e.

(9) et al.

(10) ca.

(11) ad lib

(12) sig

(13) s.c.

(14) qe

(15) qd

(16) prn

Translations

(1) versus = against

(2) ter in die = three times a day

(3) stat = immediately

(4) requiescat in pace = rest in peace

(5) modus operandi = way of operating

(6) manu propria = with one’s own hand

(7) magister atrium = master of arts

(8) id est = “that is to say” or “in this case”

(9) et alii = and others

(10) circa = around/approximately

(11) ad libitum = as one pleases

(12) signetur = let it be labeled

(13) scilicet = that is to say

(14) quod est = which is

(15) quaque die = every day

(16) pro re nata = as needed