Per veritatem vis
“Through truth, strength.”
Motto of Washington University in St. Louis
What does “Per veritatem vis” mean?
Per veritatem vis translates as “Through truth, strength.”
Truth is a source of strength.
“Per veritatem vis” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Per | through, by means of | preposition that takes the accusative case |
| veritatem | truth | accusative singular of veritas, “truth” (feminine, third declension); the accusative is required after per |
| vis | strength, force | nominative singular of vis, “strength, force” (feminine, irregular noun); the verb “is” is left out, as often in Latin mottos |
How to pronounce “Per veritatem vis”
The two differ only in the v, which is w in Classical and v in Church Latin. Stress falls on the third syllable of veritatem (tah). Vis is a single syllable.
The story behind it
Word for word the motto reads “through truth, strength”, with the verb left out. It says that strength comes by way of truth.
It is not a line from an ancient author. It is a modern institutional motto, used by Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. As is common with university mottos, it is written in Latin to sound formal and enduring.
Outside the university the phrase is used as a personal motto, for example on rings, prints and tattoos, to express that honesty is a source of power.
How to use “Per veritatem vis”
Suits a personal motto, a tattoo or ring engraving for someone who values honesty, a line for a graduation card, or a caption about integrity. It also fits a school, team or organisation looking for a short motto about truth.
- Latin
- Per veritatem vis
- English
- Through truth, strength.
- Source
- Motto of Washington University in St. Louis
- Era
- Modern
- Theme
- Truth
Common mistakes
- The Latin has no verb. Do not add “est” or “sunt”; the elliptical form is the natural motto style.
- Vis is not the plural of a word “vi”. It is the irregular noun vis, “strength”, whose plural vires means “strengths, forces”.
- Do not write “Per veritas”. After per the accusative veritatem is needed.
- It is a modern university motto, so do not credit it to a Roman author.
Questions about “Per veritatem vis”
What does “Per veritatem vis” mean literally?
“Through truth, strength.” Per means “through” and takes veritatem (“truth”), and vis means “strength”. No verb is stated.
Who said “Per veritatem vis”?
No ancient author. It is the motto of Washington University in St. Louis, so it is a modern institutional motto.
How do you pronounce “Per veritatem vis”?
Classical: per weh-ree-TAH-tem wees. Church Latin: per veh-ree-TAH-tem vees. Stress the third syllable of veritatem.
Is “Per veritatem vis” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. The grammar is sound: per with the accusative veritatem, then vis. It is brief and leaves out the verb, which is normal for mottos.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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