hoc

(used only in 'ad hoc')

adverb ad HOK Rare

Origin: Latin phrase meaning 'to this (purpose)'.

Usage Note

Hoc does not appear alone in Italian — it exists only as part of the Latin phrase ad hoc, meaning 'for this specific purpose'. The full phrase is treated as an invariable adjective or adverb in Italian (una soluzione ad hoc, misure ad hoc). It is widely used in formal, legal, and technical writing.

Examples

"Il comitato è stato creato ad hoc per risolvere il problema."

Natural Translation

The committee was created specifically to solve the problem.

Literal Translation

The committee was created ad hoc to resolve the problem.

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