pro re nata

American

[proh re nah-tah, proh ree ney-tuh, rey] / ˈproʊ ˈrɛ ˈnɑ tɑ, ˈproʊ ˈri ˈneɪ tə, ˈreɪ /

adverb

Latin.

for an unforeseen need or contingency.

Etymology

Origin of pro re nata

Literally, “for a thing born”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

President of the Royal Institute of British Architects. p.r.n., pro re nata=For special business arising.

From Project Gutenberg

But it suits the Japanese admirably: they hop out at every other station—pro re nata—and occasionally get left behind.

From Project Gutenberg

And if any exigent fall out, that the Presbyterie of Edinburgh give advertisement for an Assembly pro re nata.

From Project Gutenberg

And it is much to Byron's credit that, in speaking of the deceased Cambridge poet, he forgot his own argument and its exigencies, and proved himself only a paradoxer pro re nata.

From Project Gutenberg

Being now well read as well as travelled, we was soon pro re nata with the best society in Rosa, and was invited out to the most dressed-up and high-toned entertainments.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023