Veritas et utilitas
“Truth and usefulness.”
Latin university motto
What does “Veritas et utilitas” mean?
Veritas et utilitas translates as “Truth and usefulness.”
Knowledge should be both true and useful: rigorous in its methods and helpful in its results. The motto rejects both empty theory and careless practicality.
“Veritas et utilitas” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Veritas | truth | nominative singular (feminine) of veritas, “truth”; subject-style noun, here one half of a pair |
| et | and | conjunction joining two nouns |
| utilitas | usefulness | nominative singular (feminine) of utilitas, “usefulness, benefit”; formed from utilis, “useful” |
How to pronounce “Veritas et utilitas”
The differences are in the v (w in Classical, v in Church) and the t in utilitas, which is the same in both. Stress falls on the first syllable of veritas and on the second syllable of utilitas, whose long i makes it the stressed one.
The story behind it
Word for word the phrase says “truth and usefulness”. It has no single ancient author: it is a modern Latin pairing, used as a university motto, and its exact adoption history is not documented here.
Both nouns are built from familiar Latin roots. Veritas is the old Roman word for truth, and utilitas comes from utilis, “useful”, a word Roman writers used for practical benefit.
The pairing sums up a view of knowledge that has to hold up under scrutiny and also do some good. That is why it suits institutions that teach applied subjects, where research is expected to lead to real results.
How to use “Veritas et utilitas”
Suits a university or institute with an applied focus, a consultancy that wants to stress both accuracy and practical results, or a personal motto for a scientist or engineer. It also works in an essay on the purpose of research.
- Latin
- Veritas et utilitas
- English
- Truth and usefulness.
- Source
- Latin university motto
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Truth
Common mistakes
- The two words are nouns, not adjectives, so it means “truth and usefulness”, not “true and useful”. Do not swap in verus et utilis unless you want that different phrasing.
- Both nouns are feminine singular and need no change for gender, but to say “the truth and the usefulness of X” you would need to add a genitive (e.g. veritas et utilitas scientiae).
- It is not a classical Roman saying and should not be credited to Cicero or any ancient author. It is best described as a modern university motto.
Questions about “Veritas et utilitas”
What does “Veritas et utilitas” mean literally?
“Truth and usefulness.” Veritas is truth and utilitas is usefulness or benefit, joined by et, “and”.
Who said “Veritas et utilitas”?
No known author. It is a Latin university motto, and the exact origin of its adoption is not documented here.
How do you pronounce “Veritas et utilitas”?
Classically: WEH-ree-tahs et oo-TIH-lih-tahs. In Church Latin: VEH-ree-tahs et oo-TEE-lee-tahs.
Is “Veritas et utilitas” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is two feminine nouns joined by et, with correct case endings. It is a short, grammatically sound motto.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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