What does et lux veritas mean?

Asked by: Mya Daugherty Jr.  |  Last update: December 1, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (69 votes)

Yale's official motto, 'Lux et Veritas' means 'Light and Truth' in Latin.

What does lux et veritas mean in English?

Below the shield on a scroll appears Yale's official motto, Lux et Veritas (Latin for "Light and Truth").

What is the meaning of Lux Veritas?

Lux et Veritas. These words are printed on every IU-Bloomington diploma and literally carved into our limestone buildings. Translated as “Light and Truth,” the motto evokes the light of inquiry – of an exploration of truth and a turning away from ignorance.

What is Yale's Latin motto?

As you know, Yale's motto is Light and Truth—Lux et Veritas in Latin, Urim v'Thummim in Hebrew—and you will see it etched ubiquitously on crests around campus.

What does et veritas mean?

Via et veritas et vita (Classical Latin: [ˈwɪ. a ɛt ˈweːrɪtaːs ɛt ˈwiːta], Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈvi. a et ˈveritas et ˈvita]) is a Latin phrase meaning "the way and the truth and the life". The words are taken from Vulgate version of John 14 (John 14:6), and were spoken by Jesus in reference to himself.

lux et veritas

15 related questions found

What does Semper Veritas mean?

Harvard's institutional principles hinge on the idea of “semper veritas” — always seeking the truth.

What is Latin Lux et Veritas?

The exhibition's title alludes to Yale University's motto, Lux et Veritas, which translates from Latin to “Light and Truth.” In the context of this exhibition, the title references how these artists thought with critical complexity about their work and their movement through institutional structures.

What is Harvard motto Latin?

Each of Harvard's graduate schools boasts unique shields that incorporate the College's original arms: a shield with the Latin motto “VERITAS” (“Verity” or “Truth”) on three books.

Is Yale better than Harvard?

When comparing Ivy League schools, both Harvard and Yale are firm fixtures at the top of the QS World University Rankings. Harvard is pretty much unbeatable on most of the indicators used to create the rankings, performing particularly well in QS's huge global surveys of academics and graduate employers.

Why does the Yale seal have Hebrew on it?

The 1726 Yale college laws, reflecting such devotion, characteristically ordained that: “Every student shall consider ye main end of his study.to know God in Jesus Christ and answerably to lead a Godly sober life.” To the ancient Hebrews, the Urim and Thummim reflected the oracular will of God.

What is Lux et Caritas?

Lux et Caritas (Latin) Motto in English. Light and Charity.

What is the meaning of vino et veritas?

In vino veritas is a Latin phrase that means 'in wine, there is truth', suggesting a person under the influence of alcohol is more likely to speak their hidden thoughts and desires.

What does lux mean in Latin?

Borrowed from Latin lūx (“light”), from Proto-Indo-European *lewk- (“white; light; bright”).

What does lux et lex mean?

UND Motto: LUX ET LEX – Light and Law

As part of the University seal, our Lux et Lex — light and law — motto epitomizes our academic philosophy. Light is our love of discovery and critical thinking. Law is our intellectual approach and commitment to proven results.

What does et omnia veritas mean?

Latin. truth conquers all things.

What does Veritas et Lumen mean?

The Beacon School motto is Veritas et Lumen – the Truth and the Light – the fundamental principles that guide the educational philosophy and practice of the school.

Is Oxford better than Harvard?

Here is a comparison based on recent rankings. QS World University Rankings 2025: Oxford is ranked 3rd, while Harvard is ranked 4th. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024: Oxford is ranked 1st, and Harvard is ranked 4th.

What is the hardest college to get into?

Harvard University

The Harvard acceptance rate is 3%, tied with Caltech for the #1 spot on our list of hardest colleges to get into. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is a quintessential New England school globally recognized for its rigorous academic programs and influential alumni.

What do Harvard students call themselves?

The most common term for a Harvard student is “Harvardian” or “'Vardian.” You will (as others have already said) also hear us referred to as “Cantabs,” after the Latin word for the city where Harvard is located, Cambridge (“Cantabrigia”), Mass.

Is Veritas in the Bible?

The inscription, Cognoscetis Veritatem et Veritas Liberabit Vos, is a verse from the Bible, John 8:32, in Latin. It translates to "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Why is Harvard so hard to get into?

Since Harvard is one of the most selective universities in the world, applicants are highly competitive and typically have top GPAs in high school. You must earn the best grades possible while taking the most rigorous classes your high school offers if you want to get into Harvard.

What do lux et veritas mean?

Yale's official motto, 'Lux et Veritas' means 'Light and Truth' in Latin.