Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
V.S. Naipaul was a Trinidadian-British novelist and essayist known for his works exploring cultural displacement, colonialism, and identity. His full name was Vidyanath Naipaul, and he won several literary awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2001.
"Vade retro satana" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Step back, Satan" or "Get behind me, Satan." It is often used as a form of warding off evil or negative influences, and it has religious connotations, particularly in the Christian tradition, where it is associated with Jesus Christ's words to Satan in the Bible (Matthew 4:10).
"Van der Waals" is a term named after Dutch physicist Johannes Diderik van der Waals. In the context of physics and chemistry, it refers to the intermolecular forces that exist between atoms or molecules due to their temporary fluctuations in electron distribution. These forces are weaker than covalent bonds but play a significant role in phenomena like cohesion, surface tension, and adhesion. Van der Waals forces are particularly important in understanding the behavior of gases at low pressures and the properties of substances like liquids and solids.
"Van der Waals" refers to a set of intermolecular forces that exist between atoms or molecules, named after Dutch physicist Johannes Diderik van der Waals. These forces are responsible for the cohesion and adhesion of substances, playing a crucial role in phenomena like the surface tension of liquids, the adhesion of water to surfaces, and the condensation of gases into liquids. Van der Waals forces include attractions such as dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces, and hydrogen bonding.
Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer, navigator, and admiral who is widely recognized as the first person to navigate a route from Europe to India and back in 1497-1499. He is considered one of the most important figures in the Age of Exploration, and his voyage opened up the spice trade between Europe and Asia.<br><br>Da Gama was born in Sines, Portugal, in 1469. He began his career at sea as a young man, serving as a navigator on various voyages. In 1497, he was appointed by King Manuel I of Portugal to lead an expedition to India, with the goal of finding a new route to the Spice Islands (present-day Indonesia).<br><br>Da Gama set sail on July 8, 1497, with a fleet of four ships and about 170 men. He sailed down the west coast of Africa and crossed the equator, then passed through the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. He continued on to the Indian Ocean and arrived at the port city of Calicut, India, in May 1498.<br><br>Da Gama's voyage from Europe to India and back was a major achievement, as it demonstrated that it was possible to navigate around Africa to reach Asia. This new route, which became known as the "Cape Route," replaced the traditional "Mediterranean Route" and opened up new opportunities for trade and exploration.<br><br>Da Gama's voyage also had a significant impact on European history, as it marked the beginning of Portuguese involvement in Asian trade and led to the establishment of Portuguese colonies and trading posts around the world.
"Veni, vidi, vici" is a Latin phrase that means "I came, I saw, I conquered." It was famously used by Julius Caesar to describe his swift victory over the Persian king Pharnaces II in 47 BC. The phrase represents the idea of achieving success quickly and decisively.
The Venus de Milo is an ancient Greek statue of the goddess Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans) that was carved in the 2nd century BC. It is famous for its beauty and the fact that it is missing both of its arms. The statue is named after the island of Milos (or Milo), where it was discovered in 1820. It is now displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, and it has become an iconic representation of classical art.
"Verba volant, scripta manent" is a Latin phrase that means "spoken words fly away, written words remain." It emphasizes the idea that written records are permanent and enduring, while spoken words can be easily forgotten or lost.
"Vin de pays" is a French term that refers to a type of wine. It translates to "country wine" in English. In the European Union's wine classification system, vin de pays is a category below "AOC" (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) wines. These wines are made from specific grape varieties grown in designated regions but have less strict production rules than AOC wines. They generally offer a more affordable and approachable option for consumers.
"Vin de table" is a French term that refers to a type of everyday, low-quality wine. It translates to "table wine" in English and signifies a basic wine that does not meet the requirements for more specific appellation designations. In France, it is typically cheaper and has fewer regulations regarding its production compared to wines with controlled appellations.
Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. He is known for his expressive, colorful paintings and his tragic personal life, which included mental health struggles and his untimely death by suicide. Some of his most famous works include "The Starry Night," "Sunflowers," and "Irises." Van Gogh's unique style and emotional depth have made him an enduring symbol of artistic genius.
"Viola da braccio" is an Italian term that refers to a stringed instrument played under the chin, like a violin or viola. It denotes the family of instruments that are held and played with the neck resting on the player's shoulder, as opposed to instruments like the viola da gamba, which is played between the legs. In modern times, the term is often used to describe the viola specifically, as it is the largest member of the violin family commonly played "da braccio."
Viola da gamba is a stringed musical instrument that was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is similar in appearance to a viola but with a larger body and seven strings. It is played upright, resting on the player's lap, hence the name "viol" (from the Italian "viola da gamba," meaning "viol for the leg"). The instrument has a rich, mellow tone and was often used in chamber music and as a solo instrument.
"Vis-à-vis" is a French term that means "face to face," "in comparison," or "with regard to." It is often used to discuss how one thing relates to or contrasts with another, or to indicate direct interaction between two parties.
"Visite du branchage" is a French phrase that translates to "visit of the pruning" in English. It typically refers to an inspection or tour of a vineyard or orchard where the pruning process is being carried out. During this visit, professionals assess the quality of the pruning work, ensure it is done correctly, and provide guidance if needed. Pruning is an essential practice in managing and maintaining grapevines and fruit trees to promote growth, health, and better yields.
The phrase "vitam impendere vero" is Latin and it means "to risk one's life for the truth".
"Vive la difference" is a French phrase that translates to "long live the difference" in English. It celebrates and appreciates the differences between people, cultures, or things, often used to embrace diversity and enjoy the unique qualities that make them distinct.
"Vive le Canada" is a French phrase that translates to "Long live Canada" in English. It is often used to express patriotism or support for Canada, similar to "God save the Queen" or "USA! USA!" in other countries.
"Vive le Québec libre" is a French phrase that translates to "Long live free Quebec" in English. It is a political slogan expressing support for the independence or autonomy of Quebec, a province in Canada, from the rest of the country. The phrase became particularly significant during the 1960s and 1970s when the Quebec separatist movement was at its peak.
Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was a Russian revolutionary, politician, and theorist who led the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. He was the founder of the Soviet Union and played a pivotal role in the October Revolution of 1917, which overthrew the Provisional Government and established a socialist state. Lenin's ideas and political strategies greatly influenced the development of communism and Marxist-Leninist ideology.
"Vol au vent" is a French phrase that translates to "flight in the wind" in English. In culinary terms, it refers to a light, airy pastry shell typically made with puff pastry. It is often filled with various savory ingredients such as creamed chicken, mushrooms, or seafood, making it a delicate and elegant dish in French cuisine.