English
Etymology
From the Latin id est , meaning "that is"
Adverbial phrase
i.e.
- That is, in other words, that is to say.
Usage notes
- Use i.e. to explain or clarify a statement by either (exhaustively) listing options or by rephrasing the previous statement.
- Always follow i.e. by a comma when used in it's function as a clarifier.
- When used in a sentence, i.e. should be used parenthetically (i.e., embraced in parentheses).
- Opinion is mixed about whether this abbreviations should be italicized, or whether there should be a separating non-breaking space as in i. e..
- ie: is often found in current usage, and is perhaps now considered acceptable.
Translations
