East Carolina University
Department of Psychology

"Vita" or "Vitae?"

    Academic folk refer to a summary of their professional experiences as a "vita" (my preference) or a "curriculum vitae," while those in the corporate world prefer the term "résumé."  “Curriculum vitae” means "course of life" in Latin.  Since it is "of life" the genitive is required, and the genitive for "vita" is "vitae."  Accordingly, it is incorrect Latin to use the phrase "curriculum vita" or "a vitae" (without "curriculum").  "Vitae" is also the plural, and although not properly used as singular in Latin, is sometimes used so in English (but I frown on it).  Perhaps it is best just to write "CV."

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  This page most recently revised on the 18^th of May, 2014.