ZE
ZESTEXAM

SSC CPO Foreign Words & Phrases

Study Material · Concept Notes · Shortcuts

This page covers SSC CPO Foreign Words & Phrases with complete concept notes, 6 graded practice MCQs, key points and exam-specific tips. Free to study.

0 PYQs
none yet
6 Practice
MCQs
6 Key Points
to remember
Free
no login needed
Take Free Mock →Full Practice Set
Also for:CGLCHSLMTSGD
PYQs
0
Practice
6
Key Points
6
Access
Free
Concept Notes

Foreign Words & Phrases— Rules & Concept

Core ConceptRead this first — the foundation of the topic
CORE CONCEPT

When a word or phrase comes from another language but is used in English sentences, it keeps its original meaning. You don't translate it word-by-word. Instead, you learn what it means as a whole unit

Examples

'Café' (French), 'Piano' (Italian), 'Karate' (Japanese)

KEY RULES

Foreign words used in English are written in the same spelling as the original language. 2. Some become so common in English that they're no longer considered "foreign" (like 'café', 'restaurant'). 3. Formal/literary phrases like 'vis-à-vis', 'ad hoc', 'per capita' are often used in official documents and appear in exams. 4. Context tells you the meaning—look at how the word is used in the sentence. 5.

Latin and French phrases are most common in SSC exams.

Exam PatternsWhat examiners ask — read before attempting PYQs

- Fill in the blank: "The two countries signed an agreement ___ (on the spot/ad hoc/per diem)." - Synonym/Meaning: "What does 'pro bono' mean?" - Usage in sentence: Identify which phrase fits the context. - Commonly confused pairs: 'per diem' vs 'ad hoc', 'vice versa' vs 'vis-à-vis'. SHORTCUT/TRICK: Remember Latin phrases by their first letter or keyword: AD HOC = "for this specific purpose" (ad = toward, hoc = this). PER CAPITA = "for each person" (per = for, capita = head). PRO BONO = "for the public good" (pro = for, bono = good).

Worked ExampleSolve this step-by-step before moving on
1
Step 1

Understand context—"to address the crisis" = temporary, specific purpose.

2
Step 2

Check meanings: - Per diem = daily allowance - Ad hoc = formed for a specific purpose - Vis-à-vis = in relation to - Pro rata = in proportion

3
Step 3

Ad hoc fits because the committee is formed specifically for this crisis. Answer: (B) ad hoc

Exam TrapsCommon mistakes students make — avoid these

Students confuse similar-sounding phrases like 'ad hoc' and 'ad lib' (improvise). They look at first words and guess. Always check the full meaning, not just the first part.

Key Points to Remember

  • Foreign words/phrases are borrowed from other languages but keep their original meaning—don't translate them literally.
  • Latin and French phrases are most common in SSC exams; learn them as complete units with their meanings.
  • Ad hoc = formed for a specific/temporary purpose; ad lib = improvise on the spot; these are easily confused.
  • Per capita = per person; per diem = daily allowance; pro bono = for public good without payment.
  • Context clue strategy: read the sentence to understand what role the phrase plays, then match meaning to the blank.
  • Vis-à-vis = in relation to/face to face with; often confused with 'versus'—remember 'vis' relates to 'view/vision'.

Exam-Specific Tips

  • Ad hoc: Latin phrase meaning 'for this' or 'for this specific purpose'—used for temporary arrangements formed to solve particular problems.
  • Per capita: Latin term meaning 'for each person'—used in statistics (income per capita, population per capita).
  • Pro bono: Latin phrase meaning 'for the public good'—commonly used when professionals work without payment for social cause.
  • Vis-à-vis: French phrase meaning 'face to face' or 'in relation to'—used to show relationship or comparison between two things.
  • Per diem: Latin term meaning 'daily'—used for daily allowance given to employees during travel or official duty.
  • Ad lib: Latin abbreviation of 'ad libitum' meaning 'at pleasure'—means to speak or perform without preparation.
  • Pro rata: Latin phrase meaning 'in proportion'—used in finance and law for proportional distribution.
  • Carte blanche: French phrase meaning 'blank card'—implies complete freedom or authority to do whatever one wants.
Practice MCQs

Foreign Words & Phrases — Practice Questions

6graded MCQs · easy to hard · full solution & trap analysis

All MCQs →
Practice 1easy

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to the foreign phrase: BÊTE NOIRE

Practice 2medium

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to the foreign phrase: **BÊTE NOIRE**

Practice 3medium

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to SANGUINE.

Practice 4hard

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to PELLUCID.

Practice 5hard

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to PROPITIOUS.

Practice 6hard

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to OBSEQUIOUS.

60-Second Revision — Foreign Words & Phrases

  • Remember: Foreign words keep their original spelling and meaning—don't try to translate them word-by-word.
  • Formula: Use context + meaning match = correct answer. Read the sentence first, then match the phrase's meaning to the blank.
  • Latin phrases most common: ad hoc (for this purpose), per capita (per person), pro bono (for public good), per diem (daily allowance).
  • Trap: Don't confuse ad hoc (temporary, specific) with ad lib (improvise). Ad hoc has structure; ad lib is unplanned.
  • Quick test: If question shows 'temporary arrangement for specific issue' → ad hoc. If shows 'daily payment' → per diem. If shows 'free professional service' → pro bono.
  • Master these pairs to avoid mistakes: vis-à-vis (not versus), pro rata (not pro bono), ad hoc (not ad lib).
←Word Usage in Context
Studied the notes? Now test yourself
See how Foreign Words & Phrases appears in the real SSC CPO paper
Full timed mock · Instant All-India percentile · Free
Start Free Mock →Practice Panel
✓ Free forever for basic prep✓ No app download✓ Real exam-pattern questions✓ 12,000+ aspirants
Test Foreign Words & Phrases under exam conditions
Free SSC CPO mock · instant rank · no login
Free Mock →
SSC CPO Foreign Words & Phrases — Study Material & 6 Practice MCQs | ZestExam