Whether you’re a book lover, a collector, or just someone curious about the world of books, you may have come across the phrase “ex libris” at some point. This Latin term, which translates to “from the books of,” is commonly found in bookplates and can add a touch of elegance to your personal library. In this guide, we’ll explore both the formal and informal ways of saying “ex libris.” So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Ex Libris”
In more formal settings, such as during a sophisticated discussion or in an academic environment, it’s appropriate to pronounce “ex libris” with the original Latin pronunciation. Here’s how:
Latin Pronunciation
eeeks LEE-brees
Tips:
- Make sure to emphasize the “eeeks” sound at the beginning.
- The “LEEB” part is pronounced quickly and rhymes with “bee”, without elongating the vowel sound.
- The final “rees” rhymes with the word “peace”, but pronounced with a shorter “ee” sound.
Example Sentences:
During the conference, Professor Adams shared his beautiful collection of books, each adorned with exquisite ex libris bookplates.
Informal Ways to Say “Ex Libris”
When it comes to informal situations, conversations with friends, or casual interactions, it’s common to use the English pronunciation for “ex libris.” Here’s how you can say it:
English Pronunciation
eks LEE-briss
Tips:
- Pronounce the first syllable as “eks” which rhymes with “hex”.
- The second syllable is pronounced “LEE” and rhymes with the word “see”.
- The final syllable is pronounced as “briss” and rhymes with the word “miss”.
Example Sentences:
My friend Jane recently bought a beautiful leather-bound journal and personalized it with her own ex libris bookplate.
Regional Variations
While the Latin and English pronunciations are widely recognized and understood worldwide, there might be slight regional variations in certain parts of the world. Here are a few examples:
American Variation
In the United States, some individuals may pronounce “ex libris” as “eks LIE-briss” with a long “i” sound instead of “ee”.
British Variation
In the United Kingdom, it’s not uncommon to hear “ex libris” pronounced as “eks LYE-briss” where the final syllable rhymes with “eye”.
Summary
So, whether you’re discussing your impressive book collection with your neighbor or appreciating the beauty of ex libris bookplates at an art exhibition, you now have the tools to pronounce “ex libris” both formally and informally. Remember, the Latin pronunciation is more suitable for formal situations, whereas the English version is commonly used in everyday conversations. Enjoy the world of books and let the ex libris add an extra touch of charm to your personal library!
