Legal Definitions - ipsissima verba

Definition: Ipsissima verba is a Latin term that means "the very (same) words." It refers to the exact words used by someone who is being quoted.

Example: The lawyer argued that, on its face, the ipsissima verba of the contract supported his client's position.

Explanation: In this example, the lawyer is saying that the exact words of the contract support his client's position. He is not interpreting or summarizing the contract, but rather relying on the precise language used in it.

Example: The historian quoted the ipsissima verba of the famous speech to illustrate her point.

Explanation: In this example, the historian is using the exact words of the speech to support her argument. By quoting the ipsissima verba, she is showing that her interpretation of the speech is based on the original language used by the speaker.